Archives: Exhibitions

About

Chelsea Arts Festival is a new festival, celebrating modern storytelling in London, and showcases Chelsea’s rich literary heritage, spotlighting its place in the capital’s vibrant cultural landscape. The programme is extensive, and will take place across Chelsea’s key artistic institutions: Saatchi Gallery, Cadogan Hall and Royal Court Theatre.

Partnering with Cadogan, the festival’s main programme will encompass all arts disciplines, from music, theatre, dance and film to podcasting, literature and the visual arts; and will feature both the brightest names and emerging talent from page, stage and screen. Elsewhere, Chelsea’s streets will come alive with free outdoor performances across King’s Road, Duke of York Square, Sloane Street and Sloane Square.

Friday 19^th September

1pm-2pm – A Creative Renaissance?: AI & the Future of Imagination with Tigris Li & Omar Karim

This session will explore creativity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) with two leading voices at the forefront of this revolutionary intersection – Tigris Li and Omar Karim. They will consider the future of creativity in the age of AI, exploring the promise and complexity of this technological revolution.

Tigris Li is an Artist & Creative Technologist grounded in reimagining technology as a catalyst for meaningful human connections. Looking at the relationship between humans and technology to foster emotional intelligence, Tigris designs installations, electronic hardware and experiences that evoke curiosity, co-creation and play.

Omar Karim is an AI Image an Filmmaker, and Creative Director with over 14 years of experience in advertising and technology. Known for his innovative approach to storytelling, he has worked with brands such as Burberry and Beats By Dre. 

Saturday 20^th September

10.30-11.30am – Calculating the Arts Dividend: Why Culture Matters with Darren Henley & Samira Ahmed

Join this compelling conversation about the transformative power of the arts, exploring Darren’s book ‘The Arts Dividend’ – an examination of how creativity shapes our society and economy. 

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and influential cultural leader, brings decades of experience championing arts across education, broadcasting and policymaking, demonstrating how creative investment delivers profound returns for communities and individuals.

Also leading this discussion is distinguished broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed, whose incisive interviews and cultural programming have made her one of the most trusted voices on the arts. Known for her work on Radio 4’s Front Row and her fearless advocacy for creative freedom, Ahmed brings both journalistic rigour and passion to discussions about culture’s place in public life.

Together, they will unpack the evidence behind the Arts Dividend – revealing how investment in creativity enriches souls, but further drives innovation, builds stronger communities and delivers economic benefits.

12.15 – 1.15pm – Black Earth Rising with Ekow Eshun, interviewed by Katy Wickremesinghe

Join us for an illuminating session with Ekow Eshun, the acclaimed writer, curator and former broadcaster, as he discusses his groundbreaking new publication Black Earth Rising. In conversation with Katy Wickremesinghe, founder of The Wick, Eshun will explore the vital intersections between contemporary art, environmental justice, and colonial histories.

Black Earth Rising presents a powerful anthology of work by 100 leading artists of African diasporic, Latin American and Native American identity, featuring over 200 artworks that interrogate the complex relationships between race, climate crisis and colonialism. Through multiple mediums, these works address urgent questions of land, presence, and social justice against the backdrop of European settlement of the New World.

The book explores how artists navigate intertwined histories of forced migration and slavery, examines the environmental consequences of colonialism, and engages with the ongoing occupation of Native lands while celebrating how indigenous cultural practices and knowledge systems offer transformative perspectives on our relationship with the natural world.

Described by Vogue as “the most inspired and inspiring curator in Britain,” Eshun brings his distinctive curatorial vision and scholarly insight to bear on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

2pm – 3pm – Express Yourself: Fashion, Identity and Liberation with Dame Zandra Rhodes and Daniel Lismore

Join us for an extraordinary celebration of fashion as the ultimate form of self-expression with Dame Zandra Rhodes, one of Britain’s most iconic and influential designers, alongside Daniel Lismore, the acclaimed artist and ‘Living Sculpture’ recognised by Vogue as ‘England’s Most Eccentric Dresser’. This conversation will explore fashion’s transformative power and its role in shaping identity, challenging conventions, and liberating creative expression.

From the King’s Road’s swinging sixties revolution to the raw energy of punk, Chelsea has been the epicentre of Britain’s most significant cultural and style movements. As both witness to, and architect of, some of these seismic shifts, Dame Zandra Rhodes offers unparalleled insight into fashion’s capacity to reflect and reshape society. Her fearless approach to colour, print, and silhouette has challenged fashion orthodoxy for over five decades, creating clothes that are as much works of art as they are statements of personal freedom.

This conversation will traverse Dame Zandra’s remarkable journey through fashion’s most defining moments, from her early days printing fabrics to dressing rock legends and royalty alike. Daniel Lismore brings his unique perspective as a performance artist, champion of sustainable fashion and proponent of recycling clothes.

Drawing from Dame Zandra’s compelling memoir Iconic: My Life in Fashion in 50 Objects and Lismore’s own book Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken, they will share stories behind their most memorable creations and reflect on how fashion continues to serve as a powerful tool for identity, rebellion, and self-discovery.

5.30-6.30pm – Jack Edwards’ Inkling Book Club

The ‘internet’s resident librarian’, Jack Edwards, hosts the first live Inklings Book Club Event. Jack has transformed the way young people discover and discuss literature through his popular YouTube channel. His infectious enthusiasm for books – from contemporary fiction to classic literature – has built one of the most vibrant online reading communities. He is known for his thoughtful reviews and genuine love of storytelling, becoming a trusted voice for readers seeking their next good book.

This Inklings Book Club event is an intimate celebration of reading, complete with Jack’s trademark wit, literary insights and book recommendations that will have you rushing to the nearest bookshop. Whether you’re a long-time follower or new to his literary work, this is a chance to experience Jack’s passion for books in person, with Jack in conversation with a special guest author. 

Further information and the full Festival schedule can be found on their website here.

Please note, all events are ticketed and must be pre-booked to attend. Events take place at the Gallery on Friday and Saturday only. 

Come and enjoy the long summer evenings at Saatchi Gallery Lates! 

On selected Fridays, Saatchi Gallery Lates will offer workshops, guided classes and creative activations along with access to all two floors and nine major gallery spaces of the summer season of FLOWERS – FLORA IN CONTEMPORARY ART & CULTURE; featuring large-scale installations, original art, photography, fashion, archival objects and graphic design.

Tickets include:

• Entry to the summer season of FLOWERS – FLORA IN CONTEMPORARY ART & CULTURE
• Entry to all current Ground Floor Shows
• Bar open to 8:30pm
• Classes, workshops and creative activations, with basic materials and guidance from the Learning Team provided, plus special guests 

Dates and details:

13 June

William Morris Wallpaper Designing (6.30-8.30pm) 
In this workshop facilitated by the Learning Team, you will take inspiration from William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement and learn a simple technique to create repeat patterned block printing that can be used for wallpaper, wrapping paper and more! In this drop-in session, we will all contribute to the same large piece of paper to create a collaborative piece of floral themed art. Open to all levels.

Fragrance Tapas Experience with Jo Loves (6.30-8.30pm)
The Fragrance Tapas Experience begins with a journey through our signature floral fragrances, where you’ll discover the art of layering scent. From delicate notes to bold blooms. Next, enjoy a playful twist as our shower gel is shaken like a cocktail and served in a glass — a refreshing way to showcase texture and scent. The experience ends with a moment of indulgence: our body lotion is whipped and painted onto your skin, bringing hydration and scent together in the most luxurious way. 

Bar
Kindly supported by NEAT and generously stocked with Diviners Distillery Outlier Gin and 40FT Brewery.

27 June

Art in the Park Copper Embossing (6.30-8.30pm)
Art in the Park is a charity devoted to enriching lives through art, environmental, and heritage-based projects. They aim to bring art to as many people as possible, whatever their age and ability, and to make art inspired by the outdoors as much as they can. In this workshop, you will learn the ancient technique of metal embossing and create your own beautiful flower to take away.

Carmen La Mejor Tattoos*
Carmen La Mejor (CLM) is a Venezuelan artist based in SE London. Since a young age, she has been passionate about art in all its forms, always drawn to the idea of creating something permanent and unique. She specializes in hand-poked tattoos, a method that feels intimate, slow, and intentional. Tattooing became her way of combining creativity with the raw beauty of her everyday life, turning ideas into everlasting pieces of art. With years of experience in the industry, she has worked in cities around the world and is currently a resident at Ada Haus. 

DJs with Lighthouse Social – Night 1
This summer, Lighthouse Social – West London’s newest riverside members’ club rooted in culture, connection, and conversation – joins forces with Saatchi Gallery, for a curated series of summer Lates. Built on the belief that the West deserves its own cultural stage (why trek central when you can stay West?), Lighthouse Social champions local creativity and meaningful community moments. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to celebrating art and music. Each summer Lates evening will feature a resident Lighthouse Social DJ, seamlessly woven into Saatchi Gallery’s world-renowned gallery experience, creating one-off nights that feel as considered as they are captivating. 

Bar
Kindly supported by NEAT and generously stocked with Diviners Distillery Outlier Gin and 40FT Brewery.

*To book your tattoo appointment at this Lates event, please follow this link HERE. You will need to book a slot in addition to a Lates ticket in order to attend. 

4 July

Drag Botticelli Life Drawing (7-8.30pm)
Posing live for us we will have Drag performers Goo and Frankie Heartless whose costumes will take inspiration from Botticelli’s Primavera. The session will be mainly short poses, with direction and support provided by the Saatchi Gallery Learning team. Open to all levels, materials will be provided for those attending. 

Tarot Card Reading (7-8.30pm)
Carmen Ramirez is a tarot reader and artist originally from Venezuela. Blending tarot with her strong intuition and connection with her guides she uses her energy to see the themes presented to her and to shed light on any choices or directions that may lie before you. Creating a unique, calm, insightful experience, with a touch of my characteristic wit, she will help to guide you towards clarity, confidence and inner wisdom. 

DJs with Lighthouse Social – Night 2
This summer, Lighthouse Social – West London’s newest riverside members’ club rooted in culture, connection, and conversation – joins forces with Saatchi Gallery, for a curated series of summer Lates. Built on the belief that the West deserves its own cultural stage (why trek central when you can stay West?), Lighthouse Social champions local creativity and meaningful community moments. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to celebrating art and music. Each summer Lates evening will feature a resident Lighthouse Social DJ, seamlessly woven into Saatchi Gallery’s world-renowned gallery experience, creating one-off nights that feel as considered as they are captivating. 

8 August

Badgemaking with Badge Café (7-8pm)
Badge Cafe is rooted in care, fun, creativity, collaboration and hope. They see badgemaking as a refuge, a playground, a laboratory and a launchpad – a place where self-care, social connection, analogue crafting, artistic exploration and progressive civics meet. Come embrace this philosophy and create your own floral badges.

Notting Hill Carnival Flower Headdress Making (6.30-8.30pm)
Join us in this exploration of the history of Notting Hill Carnival and its celebration of costume and creativity. In this workshop you will get the opportunity to create unique floral headdresses which can be worn at carnival and beyond. The workshop will take inspiration from Notting Hill Carnival photography by Steve Willis, which has also inspired our current Learning Gallery exhibition by Age UK K & C. 

See Your Aura, Hear Its Meaning – Photography & Live Readings with Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, presented by The Wellness Foundry
Step into the unseen and uncover the energy that surrounds you. Join spiritual mentor, psychic and founder of The Wellness Foundry, Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, for a unique 1:1 aura photography and reading session. In a short 5-minute experience, you’ll receive a personal photograph of your aura and tailored insights into what the colours reveal about your energy, emotional state, and path forward. Whether you are curious, seeking clarity, or simply looking for a moment of alignment, this experience offers a captivating glimpse into your energetic world. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check back soon for updates. In the meantime, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!

Lates on the 27 June and 8 August are Powered by Peugeot. 

About

Pre-booking for this exhibition is strongly advised. Visitors are welcome to turn-up on the day, but may be turned away once the capacity for each ticket session is reached. 

Back by popular demand, FLOWERS will reopen on 30 May and run throughout the summer season. Immerse yourself in the beauty, symbolism, and creative power of flowers.

“Stunning” – Visit London

“Fabulous – a must-see” – Secret London

“Will leave you dazzled” – The London Standard

“A floral wonderland” – Time Out London

“A huge bouquet of floral imagery” – The Guardian

“A vibrant and dynamic celebration” – Aesthetica

This exhibition reveals the myriad ways that flowers continue to be depicted by artists and their omnipresence within our contemporary culture. Occupying two floors and over nine major gallery spaces, this exhibition features large-scale installations, original art, photography, fashion, archival objects and graphic design exploring the ongoing influence of flowers on creativity and human expression.

Aside from studies of their inherent beauty and drama, flowers are also utilised as symbols, signifiers or metaphors for human emotions and impulses.  Flora lies at the heart of myths and stories that inform our cultural outlook and language. Recognised as unparalleled objects of beauty in nature, artists continue to evoke the power and beauty of flora to convey a multitude of messages and meanings. 

Over 500 unique artworks and objects are on display throughout the exhibition, divided into nine sections – from Roots, In Bloom, Flowers and Fashion, Science: Life & Death, to New Shoots – each exploring different creative themes and media. In Music, Film & Literature a wall of vinyl records displays floral themes on album covers over the past 50 years. Check out the accompanying Spotify playlist here!

One room is entirely devoted to a bespoke installation piece by Rebecca Louise Law, made up of over 100,000 dried flowers, while another is transformed into a digital projection space featuring interactive work of the pioneering French artist Miguel Chevalier.

Curatorially, sections of the exhibition involve collaborations with institutions and designers such as Marimekko. The project partner for a presentation of photographic works from Flora Imaginaria, curated by Danaé Panchaud and William Ewing, is the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography (FEP).

Featured artists include:
Cristina Alcantara, Pedro Almodóvar, Nobuyoshi Araki, Nick Archer, Gillian Ayres, Jessica Backhaus, Mandy Barker, Brendan Barry, Susan Beech, Valérie Belin, Andy Bettles, Elizabeth Blackadder, John Blakemore, Jean Baptiste Bosschaert, Faye Bridgwater, Orlanda Broom, Buccellati, Olga Cafiero, Ann Carrington, Rob & Nick Carter, Miguel Chevalier, Christo, Philip Colbert, Lottie Cole, Stephanie Comilang, Sharon Core, Michael Craig-Martin, Reuben Dangoor, Lia Darjes, William Darrell, Tom de Houwer, Richard de Tscharner, Elspeth Diederix, Jim Dine, Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, Ron van Dongen, Xuebing Du, Elaine Duigenan, Pamela Ellis Hawkes, Ruud van Empel, Joanna Epstein, Mary Fedden, Robert Frank, Anne von Freyburg, Erwan Frotin, Adam Fuss, Matthieu Gafsou, Kate Gibb, Grace Gillespie, Sky Glabush, Daniel Gordon, Maro Gorky, Roberto Greco, Jo Grogan, Anna Halm Schudel, Joanna Ham, Rose Electra Harris, Dan Hays, George Henry, Realf Heygate, Damien Hirst, Aimée Hoving, Gary Hume, Florence Hutchings, Mila Ilingina, Yinka Ilori, Michelle Jung, Nadav Kander, Heath Kane, Sandra Kantanen, Neil Kellerhouse, Rob Kesseler, Nick Knight, Kior Ko, Jan Sebastian Koch, Irene Küng, Yayoi Kusama, Wole Lagunju, Caroline Larsen, Rebecca Louise Law, David Lebe, Laura Letinsky, Kathrin Linkersdorff, Brigitte Lustenberger, Mari Mahr, Martin Maloney, Ann Mandelbaum, Tony Matelli, Margaret Mellis, Sophie Mess, Ally McIntyre, Anastasija Michailova, Andrew Millar, Banita Mistry, Carmen Mitrotta, Abelardo Morell, William Morris, Alphonse Mucha, Vik Muniz, Galina Munroe, Takashi Murakami, Winifred Nicholson, Jesse Pollock, Janet Pulcho, Stormy Pyeatte, Marc Quinn, Dan Rawlings, Marcel Rickli, Catriona Robertson, Almudena Romero, Paul Rousteau, Andrew Salgado, Frederick Sander, Viviane Sassen, Thirza Schaap, Schiaparelli, Helene Schmitz, Martin Schoeller, Megan Seiter, Amy Shelton, Ann Shelton, David Shrigley, Niki Simpson, Chieska Smith, Leonard “Soldier” Iheagwam, Rudolf Steiner, Holly Stevenson, Florent Stosskopf, Daniel The Gardener, Rebecca Thomas, Mimei Thompson, Miriam Tölke, VOYDER, Robert Walker, Tim Walker, Tom Wesselmann, Vivienne Westwood, Jo Whaley, Jess Wilson, Emma Witter, Kasia Wozniak, Nadirah Zakariya, Christina Zimpel, Victoria Zschommler, Andrew Zuckerman

Curatorial project partners include:
Chelsea Physic Garden, Cinema Poster Gallery, The Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography (FEP), Marimekko, Mary Quant Limited, Sanderson Design Group including Morris & Co., William Morris Gallery

Supported by

Project partner