In between work and meetings, The Practice team has managed to find time to stretch our legs and check out some great exhibitions. So which have been our favourites this year, and what are we itching to see next?

The Allen Jones Exhibition at The Royal Academy was highly talked about for its provocative sculptures, including that of Kate Moss. From the infamous bondage-clad female sculpture supporting a glass table top, to his controversial pop-art paintings, his work explores both male and female notions of sexuality, objectification, submission, and control.

Table

Kate Moss

We’re huge fans of fashion photography, so it was only natural that we had to make a trip to the Guy Bourdin exhibition, currently on at Somerset House. The collection itself was vast, featuring the photographer’s most notable photographs including those shot for Vogue Paris. Upon entering, you are first greeted with a series of his work for client and shoe designer, Charles Jourdan, all of which solely feature shoes and legs independent from the model’s body. This series hints at Bourdin’s surrealist leanings- after all, he was a protégé of Man Ray during the 1950s.

Charles Jourdan Shoes Autumn 1979

Throughout the exhibition, we were awe-struck by his use of perspective, particularly when featuring nude models shot from unexpected angles, and in surroundings completely at odds with what we, as the viewer, expect. His images are completely provocative, unsettling, yet powerful, asking us to question whether Bourdin’s own subjectivity is present, or whether he has merely followed his clients’ briefs. His images are certainly more than just about the product, they express desire, sexuality and a dark sense of humour. Aside from his photographic campaigns, we were interested to see his test-shoot polaroids, and several video screenings, highlighting his passion for film noir.

So what’s next on our list? Currently on until April, we’re hoping to see the Rubens And His Legacy Exhibition, at the Royal Academy. We’re looking forward to not only seeing Rubens’ masterpieces, but also those inspired by him, from the likes of Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. Definitely an art-lover’s dream! In May, Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty at the V&A is going to be a must-see too. With 200 examples of his designs, stylized to replicate one of his shows, we can’t wait to see this exhibition come to London.

Have you visited any particularly memorable exhibitions recently? What’s on your list to see next? We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your snaps, so tweet to us @PracticeDigital with the hashtag #LondonExhibitions, and share your comments on our Facebook page too.

Featured image: Guy Bourdin