Last nights openings

I haven't been out and about in London's art scene for a while now, so was trying to make up for it yesterday by seeing as many shows as I could. These two openings were the best part of the day though.

Raqib Shaw's first exhibition in White Cube Hoxton Square called Absence of God was amazing. The paintings are incredibly detailed and even though they are gilletering and sparkling, not 'pretty' but on the contrary, quite disturbing. There is not much point in looking at tiny photos like the one below, these seven paintings need to be seen up close in the flesh.

The sculpture Adam on the second floor was quite shocking, even if you have read about it and go in prepared to see a lobster raping a bird-headed man, still nothing quite prepares you for that. It is his first sculptural installation and he shouldn't stop there. The tension and contradiction between the beautiful and the grotesque is even powerful in life-size sculptural form. Spectacular work, bar not one for my living room.

Raqib Shaw Absence of God IV…The Blind Butterfly Catcher 2008

20 May - 4 July 2009
White Cube Hoxton Square

The opening of the Diane Arbus exhibition in the two Timothy Taylor Gallery's in Mayfair was an altogether different affair. No trendy people sipping beer and basking in the sun like on Hoxton Square here. It was all Chanel bags, Vouitton scarves and Laboutin shoes inside.

But of course Arbus is a name needing no introduction or promotion. The mayor exhibition of sixty photographs is impressive. 15 Carlos Place definitley being the main location of the show and having a more versatile selection of work. Highly recommended!