On 26 October 2024, Compton Verney will unveil Chila Kumari Singh Burman: Spectacular Diversions , a bold and immersive exhibition showcasing the vibrant and politically charged works of this celebrated artist. Renowned for her kaleidoscopic use of neon, printmaking, and mixed media, Burman’s art delves into themes of identity, culture, and resistance. Her creations are deeply influenced by her upbringing in Bootle, Merseyside, and her rich Punjabi-Hindu heritage. While the exhibition will focus on Burman’s most recent work, it also highlights the ongoing themes she has explored over four decades—challenging stereotypes, institutional racism, and fixed notions of British identity. A centrepiece of the exhibition is Dad’s Ice Cream Van (2022), which will be displayed outdoors, adorned with Burman’s iconic neon tiger—a symbol of both nostalgia and defiance. The ice cream business, central to Burman’s personal history, reappears throughout her career, symbolizing continuity and resistance. Her early printmaking, which began in the 1960s, is revisited in new works that use her body as a canvas, addressing beauty standards, ageism, and the representation of South Asian women. The exhibition will transform Compton Verney’s galleries with Burman’s eclectic mix of influences. Collages featuring Bollywood stars, self-portraits, folk heroines, and vibrant neon sculptures will burst from the walls. A customized Tuk Tuk, covered in shocking pink and embellished with trinkets, will display a screen showing some of Burman’s films, offering a visual journey from Bootle to Bollywood. The largest gallery will be illuminated with neon deities, animals, and mythological creatures, creating a luminous, dreamlike environment. Chila Kumari Singh Burman: Spectacular Diversions will present Burman at her most inventive, reaffirming her role as a key figure in the Black British Art Movement. This exhibition not only celebrates her dynamic body of work but also underscores her longstanding commitment to confronting race, class, and gender issues. As curator Oli McCall notes, Burman is “at the height of her powers,” and this ambitious show is a testament to her boundary-pushing creativity. The exhibition opens on 26 October 2024 and runs until 19 January 2025 at Compton Verney, offering a rare opportunity to experience the vibrant and multi-faceted world of one of contemporary British art’s most influential figures.

In just two weeks, Somerset House will unveil Making a Rukus! Black Queer Histories through Love and Resistance , an exciting new exhibition set to open on October 11, 2024. Running until January 19, 2025, this immersive experience, curated by artist and filmmaker Topher Campbell, promises to be a powerful exploration of Black LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and activism in Britain. Presented across the Terrace and Courtyard Rooms, the exhibition features over 200 objects, including rare archival materials, contemporary artworks, and brand-new commissions, all designed to honour and amplify the stories of Black queer pioneers. Campbell, who co-founded the rukus! Federation with photographer Ajamu, has crafted an exhibition that is both a celebration and a radical act of remembrance. Visitors will delve into the origins of the rukus! Federation , starting with the collaboration between Campbell and Ajamu, whose friendship and creative partnership laid the groundwork for an archive that continues to influence Black queer art and activism today. Unseen items from their personal archives will be on display, alongside Campbell's iconic film The Homecoming: A Short Film about Ajamu , offering an intimate look at the foundation of the rukus! movement. In room two, the exhibition expands to showcase the broader community of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations that have contributed to the rukus! archive. From meeting notes and posters to clothing and magazine articles, the room tells the story of collective resistance against homophobia and racism. Highlighting figures like poet Dorothea Smart, playwright Mojisola Adebayo, and photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode, this section shines a spotlight on the creative and activist legacies that have shaped the Black queer experience in Britain. The third room offers a more visceral experience, bringing visitors into the world of Black LGBTQIA+ club culture. Artist Evan Ifekoya’s interactive installation A Score, A Groove, A Phantom, A rukus! reimagines the euphoric energy of these underground spaces, where bodies, music, and desire converged to create bold expressions of identity. Soundscapes, fashion, HIV prevention materials, and flyers from legendary clubs like Bootylicious and Stallions will immerse visitors in a space where community and resistance thrived through celebration. The final section of Making a Rukus! turns to film and oral histories. Visitors can view Sharing Tongues , a series of interviews with Black LGBTQIA+ individuals across the UK, as well as A Short Film About Us by Ramses Underhill-Smith, which examines the intersection of cultural and lesbian identities. These films, along with others in the rukus! archive, give voice to those whose stories are often left out of mainstream narratives, making clear the ongoing vitality of Black queer resistance. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a rich public program, including tours led by Campbell himself and a special premiere of a new short film by Andy Mundy-Castle. The film, which will debut on Somerset House’s Channel on October 11, explores the theme of spaces through a conversation between Campbell and Ifekoya, offering a contemporary reflection on the exhibition’s themes. With Making a Rukus! , Somerset House invites visitors not only to reflect on the past but also to engage with the present and future of Black queer creativity, activism, and love. This is more than an exhibition—it’s a call to continue making history.

Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio Gallery and the Tom of Finland Foundation are inviting visitors to explore SHADOW-BAN , an exhibition running from September 19 to November 15, 2024 , at SHOWstudio’s Belgravia location, 22D Ebury Street, London SW1W 0LU . The exhibition focuses on the relationship between artistic expression and censorship, offering an interesting look at art that challenges societal norms and the restrictions imposed by mainstream platforms. Featuring a mix of existing and new works, SHADOW-BAN presents a unique opportunity for those curious about how art and censorship intersect in today’s digital age. A key theme of the exhibition is shadow-banning—the subtle suppression of content deemed politically or sexually explicit by social media algorithms. The show brings together paintings, sculptures, films, and live performances by artists including Peter Saville, George Rouy, and Dinos Chapman, all of whom explore this form of censorship. Visitors are invited to consider how these works push against the limits of acceptability, encouraging thoughtful reflection on the boundaries of obscenity and visibility in modern culture. Running alongside the annual Tom of Finland Arts & Culture Festival , SHADOW-BAN also includes pieces by 15 queer erotic artists from the Tom of Finland Foundation’s network. These works delve into the role of sexuality in art, offering perspectives that go beyond conventional limits. For those interested in exploring new ideas around art and identity, this exhibition provides an engaging space to experience works that highlight the importance of freedom in creative expression. SHOWstudio’s gallery in Belgravia offers a fitting setting for this thoughtful exhibition. Its intimate space allows for close interaction with the artworks, making it an ideal venue to experience the themes presented in SHADOW-BAN . Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance through the SHOWstudio website to ensure their spot at the exhibition, which offers a variety of time slots for flexible viewing throughout its run. If you’re curious about how art challenges censorship and reflects contemporary issues, SHADOW-BAN is a great opportunity to engage with a range of interesting and thought-provoking works. Plan your visit today and join the conversation around art, visibility, and the impact of societal pressures on creative expression.

The Teletubbies have never just been a kids’ show; they’ve always symbolized playfulness and the beauty of discovery, and this takeover is no different. Curated in collaboration with some of the most exciting names in contemporary art—such as Christian Cowan, Jon Burgerman, and ONCH—this exhibition invites visitors to experience these characters in an entirely new way. The gallery will be transformed into a multi-sensory playground, where the line between fine art and childhood fantasy blurs. It’s a family-friendly event, but make no mistake: this is as much for the grown-up "kidults" as it is for the little ones. The opening night on September 26th promises to be a who's-who of influencers, press, and artists, giving attendees exclusive access to the art and creators who’ve reshaped the Teletubbies for a new generation. Beyond the art itself, the event will offer hands-on workshops, interactive installations, and playful Teletubbies-themed activities. From doodling on massive canvases to crafting accessories that wouldn’t look out of place in the Tubbytronic Superdome, the weekend is set to be a full-on nostalgia trip that’s as interactive as it is visually stunning. The London stop is just the beginning for the House of Teletubbies World Tour, with plans to hit major cities like Los Angeles and Miami next. Each city will introduce new artists and creative reinterpretations, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. As the Teletubbies evolve alongside modern culture, their universal message of friendship, curiosity, and play remains timeless. Whether you grew up watching the show or have only recently discovered these icons, the event serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity of childhood that’s still within us all. The artists featured in the exhibition are just as dynamic as the Teletubbies themselves: Fern Espinoza, 25K Fern : A Los Angeles-based artist whose work is heavily influenced by both urban street culture and the fantastical elements of sci-fi. So, mark your calendars! The Teletubbies are not just back—they’re back with a vibrant, artistic twist that will leave you both smiling and inspired. About Wildbrain For over 27 years, WildBrainʼs Teletubbies have been engaging and entertaining audiences across multiple generations. Seen on broadcasters and streaming platforms around the world—including a re-imagined live-action Netflix series featuring narrator Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), plus the CG-animated YouTube series, Teletubbies Letʼs Go!—the Teletubbies offer hours of content for fans of every age. Through their exuberance and curiosity, Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po foster the developing imaginations of toddlers in a delightful world filled with joyous exploration, visual anticipation and silly surprises. Extensive activations and digital touch points have also seen the Teletubbies become beloved pop culture icons for older fans, adored by celebrities and culture setters around the world, with millions of followers on social media. As a lifestyle brand, Teletubbies continues to captivate audiences by participating in pop culture conversations. The Teletubbies are owned by WildBrain, a global leader in kids and family entertainment. Follow the Teletubbies on TikTok and Instagram via @TeletubbiesHQ.

In an exquisite exploration of art history and personal expression, Compton Verney presents The Reflected Self , a captivating exhibition delving into the world of portrait miniatures. Opening on 21 September 2024, this show offers an unprecedented look at the intricate techniques and specialized materials—ranging from animal teeth to clam shells—that defined the art form. Originating in the Tudor period and reigning supreme until photography took hold in the mid-19th century, miniatures served as a highly personal medium, often commissioned to capture significant moments in individuals' lives. The exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of miniature portraiture but also reflects on its societal role across centuries. From the elaborate lace ruffs of the Elizabethan era to the vibrant powdered wigs of the Georgians, these tiny portraits provide a fascinating record of evolving fashion and identity. Through a mix of costume items, specially commissioned films, and comparative displays, The Reflected Self will illustrate how miniatures were worn and viewed, connecting past practices to today's digital selfie culture. Highlighting key figures such as Samuel Cooper—whose candid depiction of Oliver Cromwell remains a standout—the exhibition underscores the unique power of miniatures to capture both the public and private selves. With contributions from contemporary artists like Bettina von Zwehl and Volker Hermes, the show also bridges the past and present, reflecting on how these historical art forms continue to inspire and inform modern aesthetics. Compton Verney's The Reflected Self promises a thought-provoking experience that not only celebrates the craftsmanship of portrait miniatures but also engages with their enduring influence on our visual culture. Whether a history aficionado or simply curious about the art of personal portrayal, visitors will find themselves enchanted by these meticulously crafted and deeply personal works of art.

This fall, Brussels welcomes the renowned artist Zio Ziegler to Almine Rech for his second solo exhibition, Reverse Paintings . Running from September 12 to November 2, 2024, the exhibition is poised to be a thought-provoking journey into the relationship between art, time, and the beauty of reduction. Visitors to Almine Rech will experience a new chapter in Ziegler’s ever-evolving body of work, one that showcases his progression from maximalist murals to refined, contemplative pieces that challenge the traditional boundaries of painting. What to Expect: Layers of Complexity and Reduction Upon entering the exhibition, viewers will be greeted by a collection of works that echo Ziegler’s unique approach to artistic creation. His Reverse Paintings are the product of an intense process of layering oil paint, marks, and motifs, only to later strip them back, revealing a raw, essential form that reflects both time and labor. It is a process that mirrors life itself, where the complexity of our choices, experiences, and moments is often visible only when we look in reverse. Ziegler’s method is one of indulgence and restraint, as he builds up layers of rich texture and color, only to pare them down to their fundamental essence. Each work feels like a journey, with visible scars and traces of previous decisions that remain embedded in the final piece. This process of reduction, while deeply rooted in spontaneity, echoes the timeless exploration of form seen in the work of abstract masters like Piet Mondrian. The Artist’s Perspective: Painting as Emotional Expression When discussing the inspiration behind Reverse Paintings , Ziegler reveals a shift in his creative focus. “I’m not going after an end result, but after a process that might crystallize in a moment,” the artist explains. This desire to let go of control, to embrace the uncertainty and fluidity of creation, informs the entire body of work on display. “My exploration of painting, of what strong form is, made me re-evaluate that paintings are not aesthetic—they’re emotional,” he continues. For Ziegler, the art of painting is less about producing a finished product and more about the emotion, energy, and history that each layer of paint contains. A Meditation on Time and Sacrifice In Zio Ziegler’s latest solo exhibition, Reverse Paintings , at Almine Rech Brussels, the artist invites us to reflect on time, form, and the art of reduction. Running from September 12 to November 2, 2024, this collection reveals Ziegler’s evolution—an intricate process of indulgence, erasure, and rediscovery. Ziegler, a maximalist by nature, has stripped back his vibrant, chaotic style to expose the essential, influenced by the trajectory of Piet Mondrian. This transformation—rooted in years of artistic exploration—mirrors an emotional rather than aesthetic journey, echoing Carl Rogers’ belief that “the good life is a process.” Layers of heavy oil paint, once teeming with complexity, are pared down to expose the raw, foundational core of the work, much like a tree revealing its rings. This meticulous, almost sculptural approach to painting places Ziegler’s oeuvre in a rare dialogue with the traditions of both abstract expressionism and figurative art. The Reverse Paintings embody an existential exploration, a form of visual entropy where spontaneity and calculated sacrifice converge to present a harmonious, almost primordial simplicity. These works offer not just a viewing experience but a meditation on the very nature of artistic creation, challenging us to reconsider how we perceive time, space, and narrative within art. An Invitation to Rediscover Art Reverse Paintings is an opportunity for viewers to witness Ziegler’s ongoing exploration of form, as well as his willingness to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his artistic practice. The exhibition is both a reflection on the nature of artistic evolution and an invitation for viewers to consider how time, sacrifice, and spontaneity shape not only art but life itself. This fall, Brussels becomes the perfect stage for Ziegler’s latest creative journey, where every mark, every layer, and every reduction speaks to the complexity of his work. Visitors will leave not only with an appreciation for the stunning visual forms but also with a deeper understanding of the emotional and intellectual processes that fuel Ziegler’s singular vision.