August was a quiet month for art. As September ramps up again, we look ahead to major London openings and select the 10 must-see exhibitions.
Barjeel Art Foundation Collection @ Whitechapel Gallery (8 September-6 December)
The gallery has an ongoing programme that aims to display rarely-seen collections to the public and open up to foreign art. This exhibition showcases artists from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine and tells the story of Arab art from the modern to the contemporary period. Free entry
Designers in Residence 2015 @ Design Museum (9 September-31 March 2016)
Every year, the museum runs a programme dedicated to young and emerging designers, who are asked to propose new ideas for society, based on a central theme. This year's chosen topic for the residency is migration. £13/£9.75, booking online suggested
Night Shift — London After Dark @ London Transport Museum (11 September-10 April 2016)
The museum dedicates an exhibition to the 'dark side' of transport in London. From the night shift workers in the city to the power of night advertising, more than 100 years' worth of historical and archive material will be on display. Ticket to the exhibition is included in the museum's entry, £16/£13.50
Sacrifice @ Jewish Museum (16 September-4 December)
After Love and Journeys, the museum presents its third crowd-sourced exhibition, this time focused on the theme of sacrifice. Objects on display will reflect the concept of either emotional, spiritual or physical sacrifice. Ticket to the exhibition is included in the museum's entry, £7.50/£6.50
Jerwood Drawing Prize 2015 @ Jerwood Space (16 September-25 October)
Started in 1994, the Jerwood Drawing Prize is the biggest annual exhibition dedicated to this form of art in the UK. 58 artists will showcase their best works — definitely one not to be missed. Free entry
The World Goes Pop @ Tate Modern (17 September-24 January 2016)
If you associate Pop Art with Warhol and Lichtenstein, then Tate Modern will make you think again. This exhibition tells another story: from Latin American to Asia and from Europe to the Middle East, see the global response to the art movement during the 60s and 70s. £14.50/£12.70, booking online suggested
Bridget Riley: Learning from Seurat @ Courtauld Gallery (17 September-17 January 2016)
Op artist Bridget Riley was heavily influenced by the work of Post-Impressionism painter George Seurat during her artistic development in the 60s. This exhibition will compare some of her early works to those of Seurat, one of the most popular artists owned by the Courtauld. Ticket to the exhibition is included in the museum's entry, £7/£6
More than Meets the Eyes @ Estorick Collection (23 September-20 December)
This exhibition displays the result of a scientific analysis conducted on the collection's masterpieces. From imaging processes to new archival research, you will learn more about the material nature of the works and their histories. Ticket to the exhibition is included in the museum's entry, £7/£6
Prem Sahib @ ICA (24 September-15 November)
Presenting his first solo show in London, Sahib's work mixes sculpture, paintings, works on paper and performance. Expect interactive installations that explore the relationship between personal and public spaces. £1, buy ticket on the door
Emily Jacir: Europa @ Whitechapel Gallery (30 September-3 January)
The gallery presents the first UK exhibition dedicated to artist Emily Jacir. Exploring her dialogue with Europe and especially the Mediterranean area and Italy in particular, this exhibition will showcase both film material and video installations. Free entry
Also try...
Power and Beauty @ Royal College of Physicians (1 September-23 December)
Explore 800 years of royal authority through a series of characters, seals and deeds from the Royal College of Physicians' collections. Free entry
Start Art Fair @ Saatchi Gallery (10-13 September)
The fair, in its second edition, aims to shed light on emerging artists and international galleries. There will be curator-led solo presentations, group exhibitions and much more. One-day tickets are £10/£5 when booked online and £12/£6 when bought on the door
London Design Festival (21-27 September)
The annual creative festival is coming back to take over London. The main hub will be the V&A but there will be events, exhibitions and talks all over the city — have a look at the programme to find out more.
See also:
To find more about what's on in London, visit Londonist's Museum & Galleries and Art & Photography pages.
