See our archive of Weekend Combos →

FRIDAY 10th September – SUNDAY 12th September 2021

Queen of Soul
Long-awaited Aretha Franklin biopic Respect is finally making its UK release in cinemas this weekend, directed by Liesl Tommy who makes her feature film debut charting Franklin’s career from the eminent artist’s days as a choir girl to legendary soul sensation. Jennifer Hudson takes the titular role, impeccably portraying the ‘Queen of Soul’ through 1960s America – across the lesser-known trials and tribulations of her career as well as the highs known the world over. The movie swings to the rhythm of her most iconic tracks as the soulful life of an idol plays out on screen.

Respect is out in cinemas Friday 10th September.

Lights at night
The Northern Lights are on tour, beaming across Greenwich and Woolwich courtesy of Swiss artist Dan Acher’s artistic recreation of the natural phenomena titled Borealis. Taking place as part of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, the installation is a must-see event that transforms the London sky into a vibrant canvas of colour. It’s free and it ends on the 11th, so get a jog on.

Find out more information about Borealis and the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival here.  

Jude Law hugging Ronald McDonald and The Rolling Stones by David Bailey
Photo London returns to the capital for another year of visual immersion. Proudly the first photography fair to take place anywhere in the world since 2019’s chaos, the event boasts involvement from 88 galleries across 15 countries. As always, there’s a tempting mix of established lensers and nascent artists as well as talks, book signings and presentations. Highlights include a Robert Capa retrospective and panel discussion, a conversation between Emmanuel Robert Owusu-Afram and Ellen Stone about black masculinity in photography, and book signings by Michael Grecco, Bryan Adams and Kevin Cummins.

Discover the full programme here.

Are you sure that’s not a photo?
Presenting the first major UK exhibition of Richard Estes’ work, Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery will showcase over forty-five of the US artist’s paintings across three decades of work. Known for his incredible photorealist style of painting, his images consist of sleek city and geometric landscapes, in particular his timeless depictions of his native New York City. This latest however showcases Estes’ work from other areas of the globe following visits to Europe, Asia, Africa and Antarctica. Here’s a great chance to get up close to Estes’ work, which is the best vantage point to truly admire his genius.

“I’ve loved his work since I was shown it when I was thirteen by my art teacher in high school, Mr Wood,” says Hirst. “While trends and movements come and go, Richard has stayed true to his vision and singular approach to painting for more than fifty years and I find this unwavering commitment to be a true inspiration.”

‘Richard Estes: Voyages’ runs from 10th September – 12th December at Newport Street Gallery, London.

Tillmans and Lowman mash-up
Arriving at David Zwirner gallery in New York this weekend is a duel presentation of works by German photographer Wolfgang Tillmans and US pop artist Nate Lowman. On show are a new selection of specially commissioned works by Tillmans, ranging from portraits, still lifes and landscapes, while Lowman will debut a new series of paintings that draw on his signature inspiration of found images, taken from mass media and historical archives. The exhibition will be hosted as part of The Armory Show, New York’s international art fair platforming works from around the world for four days only.

The Armory Show is on from 9-12 September at Javits Centre, 429 11th Ave, New York. David Zwirner can be found at Booth 100.

Wine in a cave, how idyllic 
North London’s Top Cuvée are sharing the love, taking its expertise in small plates and delicious wine to Bethnal Green. Upstairs, you’ll find a shop stocked full of moreish natural wines, specialist snacks and other culinary delights. And here’s the best bit: can’t wait to crack open that bottle of vino you just purchased? Instead of trekking home, simply make your way downstairs into Cafe Cuvée, a Parisian-inspired underground wine where the chaos of Bethnal Green Road dissolves à la Midnight in Paris. Très magnifique.

Cafe Cuvée is located at 250 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0AA.