London's gallery scene is thriving beyond the traditional white cube, with independent and artist-run spaces from Bloomsbury to Camberwell. Despite high rents and costs, these venues offer established artists, experimental concepts, and innovative collaborations. Here are eight of the best.
Galerina and Piccalilli
Galerina, on Guilford Street in Bloomsbury, started in a founder's bedroom and has gained a cult following for its intimate, avant-garde style. Currently showing DeSe Escobar's work, which explores her childhood relationship with toys and gender dissonance, the exhibition runs until September 12.
Piccalilli, in South Bermondsey's Penarth Centre, is an artist-led gallery where collaboration is key. Its latest project with Michael Andrew Page, 'The Price of Home', examines the emotional weight of objects and opens on August 21.
Chisenhale and General Assembly
Chisenhale Gallery near Victoria Park is a warehouse space known for developing artists over two years. Jasper Marsalis's 'Still Life' features live images of remote landscapes and a radio-wave soundscape, on until September 6.
General Assembly, off Hanover Square, is a charming upstairs space. Its current show, 'Neither Here Nor There', turns escapism into vivid, strange art, on until August 29.
Interval and Bolding
Interval, in a 1790s Clerkenwell townhouse, is run by father and son David and Jacob Gryn. It combines contemporary and historical art, currently featuring Scarlet Topley and Ed Ruscha until September 5.
Bolding, at Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone, focuses on performance art, with over 100 artists involved since June. 'What Shall I Render?', curated by Kumbirai Makumbe, runs until August 15.
WC2E 9HA and Graces Mews
WC2E 9HA in Clerkenwell is a year-old, commercially independent sculpture space. It shows younger and older artists, including 92-year-old Garth Evans, and hosts Thirza Smith's exhibition from August 15 to 31.
Graces Mews in Camberwell, a former printer's workshop, is a photography gallery with darkrooms and archives. Chardchakaj Waikawee's 'Youth' explores adaptive survival skills in urban landscapes, on until September 19.
