TAG London
Perfection, of a Kind: Britten vs Auden
When composer Benjamin Britten met poet W. H. Auden, it sparked a dazzling yet ultimately tragic collaboration. “Perfection of a Kind” traces their complex relationship—from youthful admiration and artistic brilliance to irreparable rupture—with music, letters, and performance bringing their story vividly to life.
Contemporary African Art through a Different Lens
In the past decade, contemporary African art has moved from the margins to the global stage, with London’s 1:54 art fair playing a pivotal role in that shift. From the hyperreal portraits of Nigeria’s Ayogu Kingsley to the mystical, myth-infused visions of Brazil’s Gustavo Nazareno, and the deeply personal, multidisciplinary work of Moses Quiquine, artists from Africa and the diaspora are redefining what global contemporary art looks like. Once dismissed by critics like the late Brian Sewell, Black art now commands centre stage, with even institutions like Tate Modern celebrating its brilliance. This is a new era—bold, spiritual, unapologetically complex—and, above all, undeniable.
A Cinematic Odyssey
The Odyssey Chinese Cinema Season 2023 offers a bold and diverse selection of films that challenge stereotypes and spotlight the emotional and cultural richness of contemporary Chinese filmmaking. From courtroom dramas to queer love stories and unconventional personal journeys, the festival reveals a cinematic landscape as complex and compelling as the country itself.
Kurios
Step into the steampunk dreamscape of Kurios, Cirque du Soleil’s spectacular return to London’s Royal Albert Hall. With gravity-defying acts, whimsical storytelling, and theatrical magic, this show reminds us why Cirque remains unmatched in the world of live performance.
THE LIFE OF PI
The play, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti, engagingly tackles the themes of religion, faith and truth, making us question the value of reality and facts.
BFI London Film Festival
From political thrillers to poetic noirs, this year’s BFI London Film Festival offered a powerful selection of international cinema. With standout films like Till, 1976, Subtraction, and Decision to Leave, the festival proved once again that film is a vital lens through which we examine history, identity, and the human condition.
African Fashion
VThe V&A’s groundbreaking African Fashion exhibition is a vibrant celebration of the continent’s creative brilliance. Spanning from North to South Africa, the show highlights legendary designers, powerful political symbolism, and fashion’s role in shaping modern identity.
In the Black Fantastic
In the Black Fantastic at London’s Hayward Gallery is a dazzling exploration of how Black artists across the globe are using myth, fantasy, and science fiction to challenge racial injustice and reimagine new futures. Curated by Ekow Eshun, the exhibition features works ranging from Nick Cave’s haunting Soundsuits to Lina Iris Viktor’s myth-infused paintings, Wangechi Mutu’s divine feminine sculptures, and Kara Walker’s searing historical critiques. This visually arresting show, accompanied by live performances and vibrant evening events, invites audiences to experience Black creativity through an unapologetically fantastic lens.