5 must-see exhibitions in London for Christmas 2013

As London winds down for Christmas, take some time out to visit some of London’s most exciting exhibitions over the holidays. To help you decide, here are The Upcoming’s top five must-see exhibitions for Christmas 2013:

Art Under Attack, Tate Britain

Tate Britain, the home of British art, has finally reopened its doors with a slick new interior and interesting exhibitions, including Art Under Attack: Histories of British Iconoclasm. This is the first exhibition to explore the history of physical attacks on British works of art from the 16^th century to the present day. Visitors can expect an introduction to iconoclasm, a history of attacks on works of art as well as religious, political and artistic motivations behind such assaults.

The exhibition makes for an intriguing and educational experience for the whole family.

Art Under Attack runs until 5^th January 2014, for further information visit here.

Pop Art Design, Barbican

The Barbican presents the first ever exhibition exploring the relationship between art and design in post-war Britain and America. The exhibition paints a new picture of pop art by exploring the central role played by design. Included in the exhibition are works by highly respected pop artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, alongside objects by Achille Castiglioni, Charles and Ray Eames and Peter Murdoch. More popularly recognisable pieces include graphic materials in the form of iconic posters, album sleeves and magazine covers.

Pop Art Design is a definite must-see for the modern art lover.

Pop Art Design runs until 9^th February 2014, for further information visit here.

Jameel Prize, Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is home to one of the most splendid collections of Islamic art in Britain, displayed in their very own Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art.

A growing interest in Contemporary Middle Eastern art has led to the V&A hosting its third consecutive Jameel Prize. The prize is an international award for contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic tradition.

The role of the prize is to promote contemporary works of art that are inspired by Islamic traditions and to expose such pieces to potential patrons and the public. This is an exhibition for the modern day Orientalist and for those who are interested in contemporary Middle Eastern works of art pushing the boundaries of tradition, and incorporating an Islamic aesthetic into contemporary art. The display includes paintings and fashion pieces inspired by Islamic architecture and material culture.

Expect to see works of art by Jameel Prize-winner Dice Kayek from Istanbul, as well as pieces by shortlisted candidates from a vast range of countries including Algeria, Brazil, Kosovo and Russia. 

The Jameel Prize runs until 21^st April 2014, for further information visit here.

Jake and Dinos Chapman: Come and See, Serpentine Galleries

Another art institution to have given itself a new lick of paint is the Serpentine Galleries. Come and See by Jake and Dinos Chapman investigates the history of art and consumer culture, as displayed at the Zaha Hadid designed Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

Works of art include a pop spin on those 90s McDonalds advertisements aimed at children, and a collection of shop mannequins dressed up as Ku Klux Klansmen wearing rainbow stripped socks and sandals.

Expect to be shocked, aggravated and excited by another installation of Jake and Dinos Chapman’s provocative works of art.

Jake and Dinos Chapman: Come and See runs until 9^th February 2014, for further information visit here.

The Young Dürer, Courtauld Gallery

Follow in the footsteps of the great Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in his younger years. The Courtauld Gallery displays the early drawings of Dürer during travels in his youth. Having been exposed to a wide range of influences, we see the expressions of the young Dürer striving for perfection in his early works, especially in the studies of his own body.

Do not miss the opportunity to view these early pieces, as well as drawings and prints by contemporary artists that have not previously been exhibited in the United Kingdom.

Bonus points go to the installation of the ice-rink at Somerset House, making this an unforgettable Christmas day out for family and friends alike.

The Young Dürer runs until 12^th January 2014, for further information visit here.

 Nastassja Smart