It’s that strange twilight zone between Fall/Winter Men’s Fashion Week and Women’s Fashion Week, when we can take a second to catch our breath and dive into what’s happening back in London. Turns out, there’s loads on: no time to lose, we’re back out there. 

A modern Iranian masterpiece
Fresh from its nomination for Best International Feature Film at this year’s Oscars, Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig is opening in UK cinemas this week. The story revolves around Iman, an investigating judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, who, amidst the intensifying political protests sparked by the death of a young woman, is consumed by paranoia as his gun mysteriously vanishes, causing him to question the loyalty of his wife and daughters.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig is out in cinemas now. 

Eyes Open in the Dark
London’s Raven Row has opened its doors to the largest UK exhibition of photographs by renowned photographer Peter Hujar. A central figure in the downtown scene of 1970s and early 80s New York, Hujar’s documentation of the city’s queer community amid the AIDs crisis is among some of the most compassionate and compelling imagery of the 20th century. Working closely with the artist’s estate, Raven Row has comprised a retrospective spanning the breadth of Hujar’s poignant body of work, pairing instantly recognisable photographs with some of his lesser-known portraits.

Eyes Open in the Dark runs at Raven Row until April 6th, more info here. 

Art trip
Titled Yes!, M. Goldstein opens its doors to a brand new exhibition all about “optimism, survival, alchemy and magic” – to quote founder and curator Pippa Brooks. Consisting of work by Zoe Bedeaux, Louise Gray, John Maybury, Owen Pratt, Peter Shire, and Matthew Stone, expect some psychedelic John Maybury stills featuring Tilda Swinton and Princess Julia, a bootleg Jenny Holzer tee by Matthew Stone, and Echo Park legend Peter Shire’s Tea-potto. It’s very fun and definitely worth a visit.

Yes! is open now and runs until February 27th, Thursday – Sunday, 12-6pm.
M. Goldstein is located at 67 Hackney Road.

40 Acres and a Unicorn
This weekend, the Barbican Gallery unveils a major exhibition celebrating the profound impact of the late American artist Noah Davis. Featuring over fifty of his works – ranging from paintings to sculptures and works on paper – the exhibition spans the years 2007 to 2015, offering an immersive journey into Davis’ creative evolution. Beyond his striking artwork, the show delves into his dual legacy as a curator and visionary community builder.

Noah Davis runs at the Barbican Gallery until May 11th, more info here. 

Whole Lotta Love
First screened at the 78th Venice Film Festival in 2021 to a ten-minute standing ovation, Bernard MacMahon’s documentary chronicling the origins and meteoric rise of Led Zeppelin is hitting cinemas. Despite the band’s well-documented live performances and interviews, MacMahon’s film is the first authorised film about the trailblazing rock band, comprised of never-before-seen footage and first-hand anecdotes from Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham.

Becoming Led Zeppelin is out in cinemas now.

Rami Malek and some Greek family drama
Ella Hickson’s new adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus premiered at the Old Vic this week, featuring Oscar winner Rami Malek as Oedipus and Olivier winner Indira Varma as Jocasta. The play tells the story of Oedipus, the tragic king who unknowingly fulfils a prophecy that foretells he will kill his father and marry his mother, leading to his downfall (Jerry Springer would love).

One exciting aspect of the Old Vic production is the involvement of renowned choreographer Hofesh Shechter as co-director, alongside Matthew Warchus. Known for his innovative dance works, Shechter has reimagined the Greek chorus as a troupe of dancers, adding a unique movement element to the classic tragedy.

Oedipus at the Old Vic runs until March 29th. Tickets can be bought through the Old Vic website.

Time to eat
A new location from Isaac McHale of two Michelin-starred The Clove Club has opened its doors in East London. Inspired by Southern French and Spanish cooking, Bar Valette offers a menu designed for sharing and is best paired with a large bottle from their extensive wine list. Dishes to note include devilled crab tartlets, Swiss chard barbajuans, Red Mullet with green olive emulsion and duck fat sauté potatoes in persillade.

Bar Valette is located at 28 Kingsland Rd, E2 8AA, more info here.