London’s Summer Art Scene 2026: Old Masters, Memento Mori, and Anish Kapoor

The Financial Times previews London’s summer art season, highlighting young artists reviving Old Master techniques, the persistent theme of memento mori, Oliver Beer’s sonic archaeology, and a joyride with Anish Kapoor. The article surveys a diverse range of exhibitions and events across the city, emphasizing a return to traditional painting methods among emerging talents, the philosophical weight of mortality in contemporary works, and immersive installations that blend sound and space. Beer’s project involves ancient sounds, while Kapoor’s contribution promises a kinetic experience. The season reflects London’s role as a global art hub, with galleries and museums presenting both historical echoes and cutting-edge practices.