New Contemporaries at South London Gallery — standout
Visiting the South London Gallery
Located in Camberwell (inner London), the South London Gallery is easily accessible. If you're coming from central London stations, a taxi offers a direct route, saving you time and the need to get around public transport, especially useful if you're planning to visit multiple museums.
Currently on display is the New Contemporaries exhibition, showing 26 up-and-coming artists. Their work was selected from around 2,500 submissions by judges Pio Abad, Louise Giovanelli, and Grace Ndiritu. With about 40% of the artists based outside London, the exhibition offers a geographically diverse mix of media that's worth seeing more than once.
Key Details for Visitors
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Location | South London Gallery (Camberwell), including the Fire Station Gallery |
| Dates | On display until 12 April 2026; free entry |
| Transport | Accessible by short taxi transfers, bus links, and cycle routes |
Exhibition Highlights
The New Contemporaries exhibition emphasises architecture, social critique, and material experiments, with several pieces incorporating everyday objects and urban motifs to question established systems.
Don't Miss These Pieces
- William Braithwaite: His sculptural explorations use brutalist concrete to create Escher-like stair puzzles, reflecting on British modernist buildings and circulation.
- Timon Benson: The photographic series Compression offers a layered look at creative space and generational networks.
- Ally Fallon: Her painted geometric tiles, rendered with gritty realism, act as portals between the gallery’s floor and imagined interiors.
- Oliver Getley: Located in the Fire Station Gallery, this kinetic deconstruction of a washing machine reorders a domestic appliance into an unexpected mechanical performance through hidden parts and isolated sounds.
- Kat Anderson: A long-format video installation portraying a young Black male patient in a psychiatric hospital, notable for its immersive sound design and sustained attention.
Thematic Connections
Anderson’s film connects to local histories of mental health care. The nearby Bethlem Museum of the Mind and the site of Bethlem Hospital add a meaningful layer to the work. Also on display is work by Mark Titchner—mirrored placards from the project Some Questions About Us—recalling a 2020 perimeter installation at Bethlem that was defaced with graffiti reading RIP SENI, referencing Olaseni ‘Seni’ Lewis, who died in 2010 while in the hospital’s care. These connections give the show a civic importance, positioning art as social commentary.
Planning Your Visit
To get the most out of the New Contemporaries exhibition, consider it part of a broader cultural experience. Combine your visit with other nearby exhibitions—like Two Temple Place’s Weight of Being—by planning your route in advance. A private car or cab can eliminate uncertainty about connections and waiting times. Worth it.
Before You Go: A Checklist
- Double-check the exhibition dates (ends 12 April 2026).
- Allocate time for both the main gallery and the Fire Station Gallery, as well as the video installations.
- If you're carrying equipment or visiting multiple venues, think about using a private transfer.
- Bring headphones for a more immersive experience with the video works.
Transportation Tips
Expect increased demand for local transportation around cultural venues during weekend openings and late-night events. Booking a specific pick-up time and car model can reduce any potential delays. I've been stuck waiting ages for cabs after gallery lates, so pre-booking is a good idea.
While this exhibition might not revolutionize global tourism, it does enhance south London's cultural scene and increase the need for taxis and private car services during its run. Using a booking service makes it easier to decide on the fare, check driver licenses, consider seat configuration, and choose an exact pick-up location.
In short, New Contemporaries at South London Gallery brings together 26 different artists into a compact, thought-provoking display that's worth seeing. Key points: a strong focus on architecture and social histories, standout mechanical and video works by Oliver Getley and Kat Anderson, and a programme shaped by judges Pio Abad, Louise Giovanelli and Grace Ndiritu. For visitors who want comfort, good timing and specific vehicle options—whether a private car, larger vehicle, or limousine—using a booking service makes it easier to arrange.
My tip: If you're planning a day of gallery hopping, consider booking a private transfer for the entire day. It can be surprisingly cost-effective and saves a lot of time getting between venues.
