What to see, read and do in the Capital this February.
Exhibition
Kumihimo
February-late May
Large-scale installations explore the art of Japanese silk braiding, weaving the threads of its 1,300-year history. Expect a deep dive into Kumihimo, from its historical purpose as the linking of samurai armour, to its contemporary uses in fashion and engineering.
Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 (020 3972 7100; japanhouselondon.co.uk)
Book
As We See It
Arts and culture writer Aida Amoako brings together 30 artists with refreshing narratives on Black cultural identities in this visually striking book. As We See It explores what Blackness brings to the making and viewing of art, and includes the works of Campbell Addy, Davey Adesida, Nadine Ijewere, Ronan McKenzie and Lina Iris Viktor.
£30 hardback, published by Laurence King (laurenceking.com)
Ballet
Dance Me
7-11 February
Three internationally renowned choreographers, Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem, come together in celebration of Leonard Cohen’s enduring music. Songs from the legendary singer-songwriter will be brought to life by 14 of Ballets Jazz Montréal’s talented artists in this must-see production.
Sadlers Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com)
Exhibition
David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Until 4 June
Who better to open Lightroom – an ambitious four-storey art space in the heart of King’s Cross – than this living legend? Hockney will fully utilise this innovative new venue to take audiences on a personal journey, from iconic paintings to rarely seen pieces and newly created work.
12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C (0300 303 4216; lightroom.uk)
Theatre
Graceland
9 February-11 March
Ava Wong Davies makes her Royal Court debut with a play developed through an Introduction to Playwriting group at the theatre. It went on to win the 2022 Ambassador Theatre Group Playwright’s Prize. Told in the form of a monologue, this story of love at fi rst sight reveals that all is not as it seems.
Royal Court Theatre, 50-51 Sloane Square, SW1W (020 7565 5000; royalcourttheatre.com)