Tom Sachs and Gilbert & George 10 Must-See Exhibitions in London During Frieze Art Week
By Paul Laster
1. Gilbert & George | Hayward Gallery
Working collaboratively for over 50 years, Gilbert & George have consistently been at the forefront of British contemporary art. Starting out as “living sculpture,” they evolved into fearless picture-makers who are willing to tackle a broad range of social subjects. The Hayward Gallery’s “21ST CENTURY PICTURES” exhibition focuses on the duo’s digitally manipulated pictures from the past 25 years. Presenting over 60 striking images inspired by elements of everyday life in the modern world—such as newspaper headlines, road signs, postcards, and overheard conversations—Gilbert & George act as visual archaeologists, uncovering important aspects of our changing society. Exploring how technology has made their reflections on today’s society bigger and bolder than ever before, the not-to-be-missed show features two new works from their 2025 SCREW PICTURES series that confront the pair’s own mortality while highlighting their characteristic wit.
Through January 11
2. Tom Sachs | Thaddaeus Ropac
A master of bricolage—a style of art made from whatever is on hand—Tom Sachs has been crafting do-it-yourself versions of modern icons using everyday materials since his junior high school days. He constructs his mixed-media sculptures from plywood, resin, steel, and ceramic, preferring handmade imperfections over sleek, industrial design. His colorful exhibition and interactive installation, drolly called “A Good Shelf,” combine his signature bricolage sculpture techniques with the daily ceramic practice he began after his 2012 Space Program: Mars mission project. A selection of 30 hand-formed traditional East Asian tea bowls by Sachs, displayed on unique shelves made from found materials, is accompanied by Mezcaleria, a working coffee and mezcal bar, as the New York-based artist continues to explore themes of ritual and process.
Through December 20
