London in Levi’s and Canvas
By Guest Writer Juri Koll; It’s the end of January in London – 2025. The city is wrapped in rain and folks are in a hurry, happily welcoming the wise and the willing into its sprawl. The massive size of London – much like LA – is the first indication that greatness awaits, from art to music, to food and beyond.
London Art Music Food
The pouring rain outside of Gazelli Art House in Mayfair did not stop admirers from crowding into Lilly Fenichel: Against the Grain. The show is her first posthumous retrospective of her 7 decades of stellar art produced in LA/NYC, and New Mexico. Her work from the 1950’s merits equal acclaim to Mark Rothko as well as Clyford Styll, two of her teachers. Her “pour paintings” created in her last years are remarkable in their fluidity and vividness. The work is as gorgeous and strong as she was.
Rock & Blues in London
After I hustled a 15 minute walk into the heart of Soho. I shook off the rain to the blast of crunching guitar at Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues Bar on v. The bartenders are as welcoming as the customers. Rock and blues happen 7 nights a week from top musicians from around London. I sat in on harmonica. Drinks are generous and a bargain.
I visited several exceptional exhibitions of work from across the globe including neglected works by Middle Eastern and female artists at the Tate Modern at the edge of the Thames. Groups of children gather in the best shows, enthralled, copying their favorite works.
In anticipation of another great night of music, my partner in crime, Ioana Matei, invited me to Mr. Lobo, a truly wonderful Peruvian restaurant on Upper Street in Islington. The owner, head chef and mixologist is Miguel Elespuru Ponce. His partner Katia Viaud guided us through an exceptional meal and drinks.
More London Arts & Entertainment
Then we were off down the street to Slim Jim’s Liquor Store, a packed venue replete with old school rock posters and very unusual drinks. I tipped a drink back and gazed upon 200 bras hanging from the ceiling. Every lady that removed hers has been provided with a bottle of Prosecco, proceeds to a breast cancer fund. The band at this club was excellent. I was lucky enough to play with them too.
On the last day my friend Charles Martin invited me to the Royal Academy. After an excellent breakfast at The Wolseley, we spent mesmerizing hours in the Michelangelo, Leonardo, Rafael show. The Burlington House Cartoon, by da Vinci was featured, considered one of the first drawings ever executed as a stand alone work of art.
Whether you are looking for the down and dirty or the upper crust, London is a great place to find it. Go there.
If you love the arts see ETG’s Arts & Entertainment Page across the globe.
