To accompany the exhibition Freedom Rising: The Art of Owusu-Ankomah, join Papa Essel, Artist and Gerard Houghton, Director of Special Projects at October Gallery, for a conversation exploring the complex paintings by the late Owusu-Ankomah.

This first major monograph on pioneering modernist Aubrey Williams, features an extraordinary selection of unpublished and out-of-print writings by the artist, alongside artworks that showcase the full breadth of his practice — from early abstracts and lesser-known murals to his later major works.

See When a gate closes by El Anatsui at the Royal Academy’s 257th Summer Exhibition — a striking work crafted from aluminium and copper wire. Known for transforming everyday materials into shimmering sculptural forms, Anatsui continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art.

Curated by architect Farshid Moussavi RA, this year’s Summer Exhibition explores the theme of ‘Dialogues’ across disciplines and cultures. Celebrating its 257th year, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025 brings together a vibrant mix of contemporary art and architecture.

We’ve all been saddened to hear of the loss of one of October Gallery’s dearest friends, James (Jim) Mungal, who passed away, peacefully, in Cornwall, on April 5th. Everyone will remember Jim, who, for over two decades welcomed guests as they arrived for Gallery Openings, in a courteous manner that he made entirely his own.

Everyone at October Gallery was immensely saddened to hear of the loss of one of our dearest friends, James (Jim) Mungal, who passed away, peacefully, on April 5th in Hayle, Cornwall. For over two decades, anyone arriving at an October Gallery Opening would have first encountered Jim, holding court in the entrance corridor, extending his impeccably courteous greetings to old Gallery friends and new acquaintances alike. Jim became such an important part of these monthly events that many presumed he was an integral part of the fabric of October Gallery, never realising that such was not the case. Jim was there for the sole reason that he wanted to be there; for him it became a labour of love. Many years earlier, Jim had been asked by the then Trinidadian High Commissioner to London, Ulric Cross — later to become an October Gallery Trustee — to assist him in welcoming visitors to one particular show, Contemporary Painting from Trinidad and Tobago. That exhibition had opened in September, 1992. Besides personally knowing many of the distinguished guests arriving that evening, Jim’s easy charm and ready wit contributed much to the success of the occasion. From then on Jim often returned, imperceptibly transforming from frequent guest into a firm friend, who eventually took it upon himself to become the friendliest of all welcomers-in-chief, a role he not only relished but performed to perfection. Jim soon became a feature of all Gallery openings, arriving exactly 25 minutes before the doors opened, having just left work at the British Library, then a five-minute walk away. This became a fixed routine, and one that lasted — almost without interruption — for over two decades.

Mohanlal James Mungal was born on the 4th of May, 1941 in Woodland, a small village outside San Fernando, on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. As one of twelve children born to a family of Indian heritage, the young Jim helped contribute to family finances. Working as a street vendor around San Fernando’s Free Carnegie Library, he would sell packets of Anchor Special Cigarettes, a local brand produced in what was then the British West Indies. When Trinidad gained Independence from Britain, in 1962, Jim, then aged 21, departed for London. He found temporary jobs of all kinds before being taken on as a Library Assistant at Princeton College, in Holborn. In 1968, he secured a job at the British Library, where he gradually rose through the ranks becoming an Executive Officer prior to his retirement. One marvels at the circular nature of Jim’s migratory career. The gregarious nature acquired by the young boy able to handle all comers on the bustling streets around San Fernando’s educational hub, the Carnegie Library, seems to foretell the sophisticated, generous man who later graced the halls of the prestigious British Library, where he was known and loved by all.

The same was also true at October Gallery, where Jim took particular care of every visitor to arrive, many of whom, over the years went on to becom his close friends. Jim would, for example, always arrange taxis to bring Princess Alia Khan to any opening she wanted to attend, performing the same service in reverse when she wished to leave. Jim was universally liked by all who met him, for his genuine kindness, ready smile and good natured sincerity. Jim only stepped away from his self-elected role when he moved his family away from London, first to Hanworth in Middlesex and finally, in 2018, down to Cornwall. However, he would let us know whenever he came to town, when he would invariably visit and take lunch in the Gallery Café. Often he would arrive together with some eminent professor or scholar whom he wished to introduce to the October Gallery, his home from home, and a place that will always reserve a special place in its heart for this most wonderful of men.

The Modern presents Feeling Color: Aubrey Williams and Frank Bowling, an exhibition celebrating the contributions of these two artists to the evolution of abstract painting in the late twentieth century. 

The show highlights Aubrey Williams’ dynamic exploration of abstract forms alongside Bowling’s painterly and experimental approach. Together, their works offer a powerful reflection on the impact of abstraction in modern art. 
 
Feeling Color presents works from Williams’ expansive series Shostakovich (1980–81), and The Olmec-Maya and Now (1982–88), as well as other works on canvas and paper. 

All the directors and staff of October Gallery, London, were immensely saddened to learn that our dear friend, the artist Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah, fondly known as ‘Brother’ to all his friends, passed away on the 6th of February, in Ghana. He was 68 years old.

5.00 pm Paid bar open in the Gallery (free drop-in)
6.30 pm Theatre doors open
7.00 pm Film Screening (52 min)
Location: Theatre (2nd floor)
Entry: Free admission (booking required)

To coincide with the exhibition Aubrey Williams: Elemental Force, October Gallery will present a special screening of Mark of the Hand: Aubrey Williams, directed by Imruh Bakari. 

Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition Aubrey Williams: Elemental Force from 5 pm to 7 pm in the Gallery — a paid bar will be available (free drop-in). Doors to the screening will open at 6.30 pm. 

*Please note there is no disabled access to the Theatre on the 2nd floor. 

October Gallery, London, is pleased to participate in the debut edition of Africa Basel, 2025, with a presentation of striking works by international artists James Barnor, Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga, Alexis Peskine, Zana Masombuka, LR Vandy, Owusu-Ankomah and Xanthe Somers. The presentation comprises painting, sculpture and photography and vibrant ceramic works.

Lechbinska Gallery presents Land of Morning Calm, a group exhibition featuring works by South Korean artists. This timely exhibition engages in dialogue with Hallyu! The Korean Wave, opening at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich, and reflects on the evolving cultural landscape of South Korea.

Featured are works by Jukhee Kwon, who transforms abandoned books into striking sculptures. Her practice is an act of both destruction and renewal, giving discarded objects a new existence as intricate works of art.

The Fitzwilliam Museum’s upcoming exhibition explores the complex history of the struggle to abolish transatlantic slavery, highlighting the individuals, communities, and movements that fought against oppression.

Among the featured works is a striking piece Land Ho! by Julien Sinzogan, whose intricate pen-and-ink compositions draw from the annual Egúngún masquerades of Yorubaland. These ceremonies, where ancestral spirits reunite with the living, serve as a powerful metaphor for return and remembrance.

Join artist Hew Locke, curator Maryam Ohadi-Hamadani and art historian Indie A. Choudhury for an evening exploring the legacy and innovative practice of Aubrey Williams, in connection with the exhibition Aubrey Williams: Elemental Force.

The Gallery Bar and exhibition will be open until 8.30 pm.

Louvre Abu Dhabi presents Louvre Abu Dhabi presents Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power, featuring Eddy Kamuanga Ilunga’s striking painting Oubliez le passé et vous perdez les deux yeux.

In this work, Kamuanga draws inspiration from the endangered Mangbetu people, originally from Sudan and later settlers in the northeastern Kongo Kingdom in the 1500s. Caught between tradition and modernity, the Mangbetu represent a vanishing cultural heritage, embodying resilience and identity amid change.