Vamp: Revamped In Your Eyes by Kiran Karani

By Jo Phillips

In the fast-paced, ever changing world we live in today, London is definitely not a city to fall behind. London is constantly revamping and truth be told; when hasn’t it been? Being one of the most vibrant cities in the world, creatives from around the globe often come to London to explore. Artists are always looking to challenge, whether it be in performance, music or even the booming age of technology. But through all the hustle and bustle of the city, there are three exhibitions in particular that we believe is truly revamping the British art scene; Performing Sculpture, The Forever Loop and You Say You Want a Revolution.

Remember the swinging sixties? If you were unfortunate enough to miss Britain’s most defining decade – fear not. The sixties was a groovy age for the creative industry (as Austin Powers referred to it), revamping music, design, film and of course – fashion. ‘You Say You Want a Revolution’ explores the cultural transformations that took place during this phenomenal decade, through archived items from the sixties itself. Although the sixties may now seem like a distant era, it was a revolution that had a significant impact on the world we live in today. Besides, who doesn’t love The Beatles?

Revolution
The Beatles illustrated lyrics by Alan Aldridge
You Say You Want A Revolution at the V&A Museum

Nonetheless, the sixties wasn’t the only revolutionary time for us. Us London folk feel like everyday is a revolution! A perfect example would be Eddie Peake revamping our impression of nudity. Using numerous forms of art to present the naked body, he creates a sexual and energetic environment at ‘The Forever Loop’ exhibition. Art has encouraged us to question almost everything and now it is confronting us with one of the most taboo matters of all time; nudity. As controversial as Peake may seem, he has definitely turned some heads.

The Forever Loop
Photo credits: Justin Piperger
The Forever Loop at the Barbican Art Gallery

Despite the fact that art has often challenged our perceptions, it’s not always through controversy. With the booming age of technology, artists are keen to not get left behind too. Alexander Calder may not have been the first to collaborate art ad tecnhnology, but his mobile sculptures truly transfigured the exciting world of technological art. He presents his take on modernism, through film, theatre, music and dance at the Performing Sculpture exhibition. Were you entirely convinced that performance artists and technology are poles apart? Calder will have you questioning otherwise.

Performing Sculpture
Red and Yellow Vane 1934 by Alexander Calder
Performing Sculpture at the Tate Modern

So art as we know it, is vamping up London and London is forever vamping up the world. For those curious minds who are constantly keen to explore outside the box, we believe London may just have the answer you seek.

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