Art Exhibitions London

Japanese Women Photography Exhibition @ The Photographers' Gallery

REJECTS 2026 art exhibition then a walk through the Portobello market

**Celebrate the art that almost made it.** 🥁 This Meetup takes us to REJECTS, a unique exhibition showcasing outstanding artworks that didn’t make it into this year’s Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Featuring painting, sculpture, photography, textiles and mixed media, the show shines a spotlight on talented artists whose work deserves to be seen, sparking a fascinating conversation about creativity, recognition and who gets to decide what makes the cut. 🎨 Set inside a charming former bakery on Portobello Road, the exhibition offers the chance to discover bold, thought-provoking works by both emerging and established artists - and perhaps find a few pieces you think the judges got wrong. [Admission is free but a ticket is required. Please book here for Saturday 20th June. ](https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/vxmwlmadaddq) **We will meet at The Bakery: Artist-run Gallery - 82D Portobello Road, London, W11 2QD, England** [More info about the exhibition here.](https://www.ticketsource.com/art-friend/rejects-2026-general-admission/2026-06-20/10:00/t-zooedox) ☕️ After the exhibition, we’ll take a relaxed stroll through the famous Portobello Market, where those who wish can stop for coffee, drinks, pastries or a bite to eat while continuing the conversation and enjoying one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Everyone welcome 🙂 Important to note: 1. We typically socialise at cafés after the exhibit, nice, independent ones, not chains and not at pubs. If the event is late on a Saturday we go to a nice bar/pub for drinks after. This meetup is inclusive and everyone is welcome to join. 2. If you get there and you’re not sure what to do or where we are, post a comment on here and I will let you know our whereabouts. 3. Once we go in we may separate, feel free to explore the exhibit by yourself, we don’t have to be together. Some people like chatting to others while exploring and other people prefer to be with their own thoughts. You are welcome to express yourself and do what feels most comfortable. 4. If you are late or if you’ve booked for an earlier or later time don’t worry just go in and you’ll find us inside. Keep an eye on the comments as I’ll be posting updates.

DAYTIME DYKES - TWIST Museum

FREE Exhibition - Portrait Award 2026

[Follow this link for more info, no tickets required](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/hsf-kramer-portrait-award-2026) The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award celebrates the very best in contemporary portraiture and is one of the most important platforms for portrait painters today. The artworks explore the variety of approaches to portraiture, from the classic to the contemporary, and encourage viewers to reflect on the creativity of the artists’ processes. Since its inception, the long-standing competition has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries and has been seen by over 6 million people. Followed by social at the Cafe in the Crypt. *See comments below for updates*

Gallery & Sketching

Have you ever wanted to be that person who sketches in a gallery but you're too nervous to have people look over your shoulder? Yea, I've been there. It's intimidating. You feel like you're in the room naked. I've also been the person to sit and sketch and it's one of the most rewarding activities you can do. Just you, the artwork, and a bunch of people wishing they could do the same. Come and join me on the first Friday of the month and let's go to a gallery. These will be small groups and free of charge. We'll visit a new gallery each month, hopefully free ones and we'll do an hour or so of sketching, followed by a cuppa tea afterwards. Make sure you register so I can send you all the information a few days before the event.

V&A Photography Exhibition & Street Project

Taking inspiration from the exhibition at the V&A Photography Centre we will embark on a street and environmental photography workshop. Photographers currently on display are Elliott Erwitt, Robert Mapplethorpe, Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston and the controversial Sally Mann amongst other giants. Come and learn a little history of the photographers and be surprised at who shot some well known music album covers! Afterwards we will head out and shoot street and environmental photography around South Kensington. EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens * An open mind and fun attitude! TRANSPORT As usual check the TFL website for any disruptions that may delay your journey on the day. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 **UPCOMING EVENTS** **VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026** **[https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/)** **UPCOMING EVENTS** **[www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events)** Cover photo ©Elliott Erwitt

Liminal Arts Spring Show - Meet the Artists

On Friday 5th June at 7pm the artists participating in this year's **[Liminal Arts Spring Exhibition](https://liminal-arts.org/spring-26/)** will be gathering to share and talk about their work. This is an opportunity to see the work in the show and hear what the artists have to say about. An excellent chance to hear living contemporary creatives talk about their work! All welcome!

Gallery & Sketching

Have you ever wanted to be that person who sketches in a gallery but you're too nervous to have people look over your shoulder? Yea, I've been there. It's intimidating. You feel like you're in the room naked. I've also been the person to sit and sketch and it's one of the most rewarding activities you can do. Just you, the artwork, and a bunch of people wishing they could do the same. Come and join me on the first Friday of the month and let's go to a gallery. These will be small groups and free of charge. We'll visit a new gallery each month, hopefully free ones and we'll do an hour or so of sketching, followed by a cuppa tea afterwards. Make sure you register so I can send you all the information a few days before the event.

Bloom & Brush: A Summer Sip & Paint

In this two-hour experience, you’ll explore painting in a gentle, intuitive way. You’ll be guided with imagery, seasonal flowers as well as subtle essential oil infusions and calming rituals designed to help you slow down, feel present and get into a creative flow. There’s no pressure to create something perfect—this workshop is all about exploring, experimenting and enjoying the process. All materials are provided, and the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, making it ideal whether you’re completely new to painting or already have some experience. If you’re looking for a creative way to unwind, try something new or simply spend a couple of hours doing something calming and inspiring, this workshop is a lovely place to start. Your ticket includes: All art materials to create your masterpiece. Essential oils and tips for Summer rituals to integrate at home. Guidance through the painting process. A welcome drink on arrival and BYOB thereafter.

FREE The Coming of Age Exhibition

[Follow this link for more info, no tickets needed](https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/the-coming-of-age) ‘The Coming of Age’ explores experiences and perceptions of ageing, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better. Across the globe, people are living longer. One in ten children in the UK are expected to live beyond the age of 100. But who gets to live longer and ‘age well’? This exhibition explores how experiences of age are shaped by our environment, culture and society. ‘The Coming of Age’ features more than 120 artworks and objects, including historical artefacts and works by contemporary artists. We will join the free intro tour at 14:15 if it's running, then visit by ourselves and you can also check the 'Being Human' permanent exhibition afterwards. When you finish, meet us at the cafe to socialise, if full we will go to a venue nearby. _See comments below for updates_

Kyotographie at Japan House then dinner/drinks

**A journey through memory, identity, and the power of photography.** 🏯 This Saturday we’re heading to Japan House London to explore a fascinating exhibition featuring two of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary photographers, Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai. 🎫 **Admission is free but booking is recommended so please book your ticket for this Saturday 6th June at 5.30pm. ** [You can book your ticket and view more information about the exhibit here.](https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/whats-on/kyotographie-kawada-kikuji-x-iwane-ai/) **We will meet at Kensington High Street station at 5pm and will wait 10-15mins for people to arrive then head to Japan House.** 📷 Through striking and thought-provoking images, the exhibition explores themes of history, migration, folklore, and human resilience - from reflections on post-war Japan to the lives of Japanese communities in Hawaii and dreamlike scenes inspired by Japanese traditions. We’ll spend about 1 hour exploring the exhibition and browsing Japan House’s cultural displays and shop. Expect an inspiring afternoon of photography, storytelling, and conversation in one of London’s most beautifully curated cultural spaces. **Afterwards, if we have a group of 4 or more, we’ll head to a nearby café, restaurant, or bar for some relaxed conversation and to continue the afternoon together.** Everyone welcome.🙂 1. We typically socialise at cafés after the exhibit, nice, independent ones, not chains and not at pubs. If the event is late on a Saturday we go to a nice bar/pub for drinks after. This meetup is inclusive and everyone is welcome to join. 2. If you get there and you’re not sure what to do or where we are, post a comment on here and I will let you know our whereabouts. 3. Once we go in we may separate, feel free to explore the exhibit by yourself, we don’t have to be together. Some people like chatting to others while exploring and other people prefer to be with their own thoughts. You are welcome to express yourself and do what feels mot comfortable. 4. If you are late or if you’ve booked for an earlier or later time don’t worry just go in and you’ll find us inside or at the social afterwards. Keep an eye on the comments as I’ll be posting updates.

Visit to the Great Exhibition Road Festival.