Imitate Modern Gallery
Imitate Modern
When it comes to urban contemporary art from inspiring and sometimes controversial young artists, there are few galleries in London that can rival the vibrant Imitate Modern. Spread over two levels nestled just off Marylebone High Street, this exciting gallery features a monthly exhibition program that includes all kinds of urban contemporary art, from abstract paintings and serious sculpture to pop silkscreens and sexually-charged photography. Whenever you visit it, you’re in for a treat.
Located in the heart of London’s W1, Imitate Modern has been around for over twenty years, during which it has acquired quite a reputation. Its night exhibitions, in particular, sometimes turn into wild art parties, generating a lot of attention. The gallery is opened every day though between 10 am and 5/6 pm, except for Sunday, when you’ll need an appointment to get in.
The gallery includes a varied cast of artists, mixing established names with emerging new artists. Most are British, but you’ll find plenty of Americans and Europeans as well, with a more exotic presence now and then. Artists that have exhibited or are exhibiting their works at Imitate Modern include Tyler Shields, Maximilian Wiedemann, Thibault Sandret, Fenton Bailey, and Xavier González d’Ègara. Exhibitions change every month, ensuring that the gallery remains fresh.
Whether it’s ‘Submerged’ photography from young Hollywood stars like Connor Paolo or Lydia Hearst, abstract paintings by relational/dialogical aesthetics and mythology collective Artist Unknown, sexy photography from Fenton Bailey and Mairi-Luise Tabbakh, or controversial shots from (in)famous Tyler Shields, Hollywood’s favourite photographer according to the Daily Mail, the gallery always has some interesting exhibition going on.
If you want to see urban contemporary art that doesn’t only delight your eyes but also excites or inspires you, Imitate Modern is the best place to visit with your lover or friends. But you should leave the kids at home.