Five must-see London exhibitions in June 2017

June is an exciting month in the art world, with calendar staples such as the RA Summer Exhibition and the BP Portrait Award alongside conceptual exhibitions examining the significance of cultural phenomena such as dust and science fiction. Take a look at our highlights here.

Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction at the Barbican

This exhibition examines the development of science fiction as a genre from its inception to the present day. Blurring the boundaries between art, design, film and literature, Into the Unknown looks at how science fiction became one of the most important influences of the last century.

Into the Unknown: A Journey Through Science Fiction is at the Barbican from 3^rd June until 1^st September 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

A Handful of Dust at Whitechapel Gallery

Conceived by writer and curator David Campany, this exhibition traces a narrative of the 20^th century by following imagery of dust in art, from aerial reconnaissance, wartime destruction and natural disasters to urban decay, domestic dirt and forensics. Challenging our perception of a simple factor of everyday life, this conceptual exhibition is sure to get you thinking.

A Handful of Dust is at Whitechapel Gallery from 7^th June until 3^rd September 2017, for further information visit here.

Grayson Perry: The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever! at Serpentine Gallery

Grayson Perry has long been an art world favourite. He’s back this summer with a landmark show at the Serpentine, with the typically flamboyant title of The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever! Always an astute observer of contemporary society and culture, the show will draw on themes of popularity and art, masculinity and the current cultural landscape.

Grayson Perry: The Most Popular Art Exhibition Ever! is at Serpentine Gallery from 8^th June until 10^th September 2017, for further information visit here.

Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts

A staple of the summer art calendar, the Summer Exhibition at the RA is back. Expect a panorama of art in every media, from drawing to painting to sculpture. In the typical Royal Academy tradition, over 1,200 artworks will be hung on the vast walls, with household names rubbing shoulders with talented newcomers.

Summer Exhibition is at the Royal Academy of Arts from 13^th June until 20^th August 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery

Now in its 38^th year, the BP Portrait Award returns to its home in the National Portrait Gallery. This year’s exhibited works have been selected from 2,580 entries by artists from 87 countries around the world. Head along to discover what contemporary portraiture looks like today.

BP Portrait Award is at the National Portrait Gallery from 22^nd June until 24^th September 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

Anna Souter