Discovering Contemporary Figurative Art in London

Hello, art enthusiasts!

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be visiting London soon for a couple of weeks, and the anticipation is building. As a lifelong art lover, I’ve been diving into this community to glean insights and recommendations, all while vowing to leave my oversized American flag at home and avoid any hasty home-buying decisions in Hampstead—though I can’t promise I won’t blend in with the locals!

I’m reaching out to gather suggestions for galleries or museums that celebrate contemporary figurative art from the 20th and 21st centuries, excluding the well-known Tate Modern. While I’ve spotted the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, I’m eager to discover more hidden gems.

My itinerary already includes some incredible spots like the Tate Britain, Soane Museum, Wallace Collection, and the Courtauld, with a hopeful visit to the V&A if time allows. However, I’ve realized my research didn’t delve into contemporary spaces as deeply as I would have liked, and I’m eager to explore that scene.

In terms of artistic interests, I am particularly drawn to figurative art and illustration. I often seek out exhibitions that showcase fantastic and magical realist works, whether in galleries or at conventions. Some contemporary artists that inspire me range from Jenny Saville and Odd Nerdrum to Hayao Miyazaki, Simon Palmer, Kara Walker, and Lucian Freud. While I appreciate nonrepresentational art, my aim during this visit is to focus on figurative pieces rather than abstract works, even if I admire the likes of Gerhard Richter back home.

I would greatly appreciate your recommendations for must-visit galleries or museums that highlight contemporary figurative art.

Thank you for your help!

Update: I’m also planning to visit the Bankside Gallery on the same day as my trip to the Globe Theatre. Excited for the experience!