Arts & Culture
Originally published on Wednesday, 14th September 2016
The Culturist: September
Back to school, fashion month and London’s first Biennale… we’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: September is our pseudo new year. Plus, we have our usual flurry of activities: new openings, re-openings, exhibitions and more exhibitions… and, then some. Enjoy!
WATCH: ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATRE
6-17 Sept From £12 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN
Don’t miss the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Performing at Sadler’s Wells, the New York dance troupe have returned to London with three programs, which include the highly anticipated UK premiere of Exodus, as well as legendary Revelations – the most-seen modern dance work in the world. But if we had to pick just one performance, it would be Alvin Ailey’s solo dance, originally conceived as a gift to his mother. Aw shucks…
SEE I: THE INFINITE MIX
9 Sept-4 Dec, Free entry, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
More creative space than fashion boutique, The Store (Berlin and Farmhouse) has opened its third location at 180 Strand. Fusing art, music, food, and fashion with broadcasting, this is the spot for a 101 in cross-collaboration. Head in for its opening exhibition, The Infinite Mix, by The Vinyl Factory and Hayward Gallery, and expect a labyrinth of immersive experiences challenging the way we interact with sound and image. Expect 3D video, projections and multi-screen installations by 10-leading artists.
BUY: MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS X SUSHISHOP
From £39.90
For fun’s sake: Mr. Men and Little Miss X Sushi. Because, why not.
SEE II: THE TURNER PRIZE
27 Sep – 2 Jan, 10pm-6pm, Tate Britain, Millbank SW1P 4RG
If you like big butts… head to this this year’s Turner Prize at The Tate Britain for a look at Anthea Hamilton’s stand out 18-foot buttocks, Project for Door. The other three shortlisted for the UK’s prestigious £40,000 prize are just as impressive.
BUY: WINE CAR BOOT SALE
17 Sept, 12pm-8pm, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ
Time to taste your way out of the supermarket at the Wine Car Boot Sale. Hosted by winos and sommelier Ruth Spivey and Ruth Osbourne, this is your chance to buy directly from London’s best shops and producers from the independent wine scene. Brands include Noble Rot, Maltby & Greek, Berry Bros & Rudd, Craft London, St John and Bubbledogs. Plus, there’ll be a market, music, magazines, food, beer and, of course, an all important bottle tombola.
DO: LONDON DESIGN BIENNALE
7-27 Sept, £16, Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
Finally, London has its own Biennale. Taking over Somerset House, with over 30 countries participating, we’ll be starting with ‘Mezzing In Lebanon’ for a slice of Beirut street life in the centre of London. And after experiencing the bustling scene of falafel and coffee stalls, street signs, carts, barrows and barber shops, it’s off to Taiwan’s installation, Eatopia, for a culinary experience in a tranquil forest.
EAT: QUO VADIS
Now open, Dean Street, W1D 3LL
London institution Quo Vadis is finally set to re-open after a closure for a nip and tuck ahead of its 90th birthday coming up this November. Though spruced up, you can still expect your classic QV bites, such as kickshaws and eel sandwiches, at the 25-cover ground floor restaurant, plus some new additions such as chickpea pancakes and elaborate puddings (a tower of chocolate profiteroles, for one?). But, the most exciting of developments: come November, Barrafina will be moving in.
PARTY: LOCO DICE AT PHONOX
23 Sept, £20 adv tickets, 10pm-4am, 418 Brixton Road, SW9 7AY
A big coup for Phonox in Brixton for nabbing Loco Dice for a solo Friday night session. The German DJ who needs very little (or no) introduction will be on decks dishing out his brand of sweaty, upbeat house, all night. Here’s a taster of things to come.
