Every month, we look ahead to major London openings and select the 10 must-see exhibitions.
QUEER BRITISH ART: The Tate Britain celebrates works relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer identities dating all the way back to 1861. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality — the perfect time to focus on this subject within art history. Queer British Art: 1861-1967 at Tate Britain. 5 April-1 October, £15
FUTURISM IN ISLINGTON: Angular works full of energy — such was the vision of Futurism as mechanisation took over the world. We love how the Estorick Collection introduces us to new Italian artists, and we're hoping Giacomo Balla's work impresses us as much as previous exhibitions. Giacomo Balla at Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art. 5 April-25 June, £6.50
THE HISTORY OF GAMING: The influence of the earliest games such as chess continue to inform how gaming evolves today. This free exhibition explores the evolution of gaming, including the hard graft that goes into designing them. The show coincides with the weekend long ticketed event with the opportunity to get hands on with a whole host of games. Game Changers: Another Way to Play at Somerset House, 7 April-7 May, free. Now Play This, 7-9 April, £8 day ticket
FLICKERING IN THE DARKNESS: Mat Collishaw plays with light and darkness to create stunning works. Many of his previous works involve zoetropes that create the illusion of movement; we've been told this new show will also play on the idea of illusions, through sculpture, installation and painting. Mat Collishaw at Blain|Southern, 4 Hanover Square, W1S 1BP. 7 April-27 May, free
NO GUTS, NO GLORY: Artist Ben Turnbull explores the life of American GIs, from shipping off, to the point they return home. Turnbull is not one to pull his punches so expect a satirical look at the US military. Ben Turnbull: No guts, no glory at Saatchi Gallery, Prints Gallery. 11 April-8 May, free
THE BEST PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: We've loved the Sony World photo awards every year. Returning to Somerset House, expect stunning images exploring the people of the world, politics and all the beauty to be found in it. Sony World Photography Awards at Somerset House. 21 April-7 May, £8
MYTH AND COLOUR: Chris Ofili is a painter still remembered best for his Turner prize winning portrait made from elephant dung. Here, he takes over a room at The National Gallery by recreating one of his works into a massive tapestry. Considering his many references to classical myths, this is the perfect gallery to display his work. Chris Ofili: Weaving Magic at The National Gallery, Sunley Room. 26 April-28 August, free
SELF-PORTRAITS GALORE: We love how Whitechapel Gallery displays works from collections we normally wouldn't get access to. This time, it's the ISelf collection of physical, psychological and imaginary self-portraits by the likes of Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama and Louis Bourgeois. ISelf collection: Self-portrait as the Bully Goat at Whitechapel Gallery. 27 April-20 August, free
THE RISE OF COMMUNISM: To mark 100 years since the Russian revolution we've already had major shows from The Royal Academy of Arts and Design Museum. Now it's time for the British Library to get in on the centenary with their blockbuster looking at the lives of Lenin, Trotsky et al with a literary spin — including a first edition of the Communist Manifesto. Russian Revolution: Hope, tragedy, myths at The British Library. 28 April-29 August, £13.50
PICASSO AND BULLFIGHTING: Picasso loved a bullfight, especially the rituals that went into it. This look back over his career will explore the imagery of bullfighting and how it made it into many of his works. The Gagosian gallery has delivered some knockout museum-style exhibitions recently, so we're expecting big things from this one. Picasso: Minotaurs and Matadors at Gagosian, 20 Grosvenor Hill, W1K 3QD. 28 April-25 August, free
