The Royal Academy is currently hosting a captivating exhibition titled Astonishing Things, which runs until June 29. This remarkable showcase features an impressive collection of seventy exquisite pieces that highlight the lesser-known talents of Victor Hugo, the acclaimed novelist behind Les Misrables. Beyond his literary prowess, Hugo was an innovative draughtsman whose works reveal not only his original artistic vision but also profound emotional depths. The exhibition serves as both a biographical revelation and a celebration of a significant yet often overlooked chapter in 19th-century graphic art. For those interested in a deeper analysis, the Financial Times has published a full review of the exhibition.

Another noteworthy exhibition, Noah Davis, can be seen at the Barbican until May 11. This retrospective honors the life and work of the American painter who was tragically diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013 and passed away at the young age of 32 in 2015. A decade after his death, it is becoming increasingly clear that Davis's contributions to figurative painting are unparalleled among his contemporaries. His artworks are celebrated for their deep humanity, unique vision, and powerful engagement with art history, all while exuding a haunting beauty. Following its run at the Barbican, the exhibition will move to the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles from June 8 to August 31. The Financial Times also provides an insightful review of this impactful show.

The National Portrait Gallery is currently showcasing Edvard Munch Portraits, available until June 15. Munch, renowned for his vibrant use of color and emotional depth, often portrayed his subjects in a way that emphasized their inner turmoil. His belief that personality is a battleground shaped by conflicting desires and repressions is manifested in his portrayals, leading many of his subjects to appear troubled or awkward. This exhibition delves into Munch's exploration of psychological truths, as seen in his iconic pieces such as The Scream, Vampire, and Melancholy. These artworks serve as powerful symbols of intense emotion. A comprehensive review is available from the Financial Times.

Jos Mara Velasco: A View of Mexico is another significant exhibition, held at the National Gallery until August 17. This exhibition marks a historic moment as it is the first dedicated showcase of a Latin American artist at this gallery. Velasco, a 19th-century painter, played a crucial role in shaping Mexicos national identity through his art. The exhibition features fourteen of his paintings, alongside several works on paper, beautifully illustrating the rich topography, flora, and fauna of Mexico. Following its London debut, the exhibition will travel to the Minneapolis Institute of Art from September 27 to January 4, 2026. The Financial Times offers a detailed review of Velascos work, shedding light on its cultural significance.

The Wallace Collection is presenting Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur, which will run until October 26. This exhibition, three years in the making, showcases over forty new works by the renowned Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry. His sharp-witted commentary on historical and contemporary societal issues is interwoven throughout the collection. An interview with Perry provides further insights into his artistic process and conceptual framework.

Another fascinating exhibition, Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350, can be viewed at the National Gallery until June 22. This exhibition unites various works and altarpieces that have not been seen together for centuries. It presents a compelling case for 14th-century Siena as the birthplace of the Renaissance, distinguished by the beauty, material splendor, and refined delicacy of its output. The exhibition captures the significance of Sienas art and its lasting impact on the evolution of Western painting, with a review available through the Financial Times.

The Courtauld Gallery is currently hosting Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection until May 26. This exceptional exhibition features two dozen works from the villa museum Am Rmerholz in Winterthur, Switzerland, each painting holding significant weight within the artists oeuvres or possessing notable importance to other artists. Among the highlights is Monets stunning work, La Dbcle. The Financial Times also provides a review that delves into the historical context of this collection.

Another engaging exhibition, Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet, is available at Tate Modern until June 1. This sensory experience showcases the innovative works of over seventy artists who explored the relationship between art and technology from the end of World War II until the dawn of the internet in the early 1990s. The exhibition highlights the intersection of creativity and technology, capturing a transformative era in the art world. A preview by the Financial Times offers a glimpse into the exciting content of the show.

Lastly, Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism is being showcased at the Royal Academy until April 21. This vibrant exhibition introduces ten artists spanning two generations, born between the 1880s and 1920s. It presents a refreshing and light-hearted perspective on some of Latin America's most exuberant painters. Despite its emphasis on a postcolonial narrative, the exhibition is curated in a manner that is free from heavy political undertones and jargon, allowing for an accessible viewing experience. The Financial Times has reviewed this exhibition as well.

Additionally, the Science Museum is hosting an intriguing exhibition titled Versailles: Science and Splendour, running until April 21. This exhibition focuses on the palace of Versailles and its historical reputation as a center of scientific excellence. Filled with extraordinary artifacts, the showcase tells a story of ingenuity, beauty, and the often peculiar obsessions that characterized this iconic site. A thorough review can also be found in the Financial Times.