The Best of London Art Week

This week sees many of London’s galleries participate in London Art Week, where the capital is suddenly alive with the smell of oil paint and the chatter of curators. We’ve picked the things not to miss.

Jason Shulman at Flowers Gallery

Marc Quinn has chosen the work of conceptual artist Jason Shulman to be shown for one day only (Tuesday 2nd July) at the Flowers Gallery on Cork Street. Shulman’s work is concerned with ephemera and the transient: one piece shows Solpadine suspended mid-fizz in a glass, while another is a mirror which, when breathed on, shows the face of a loved one. Spooky, mesmeric and original. Flowersgallery.com

Master Paintings on a Budget at Rafael Valls

This is the show to head to if you’ve got a spare £40,000 kicking around that you’re not sure what to do with. A particular highlight is a gorgeous landscape by Herman van Swanevelt, the only pupil of Claude Lorrain the famous Baroque French painter. Until 15th July. Rafaelvalls.co.uk

Nic Fiddan-Green at Sladmore

Londoners will already be familiar with the horse’s head which towers above Marble Arch by sculptor Nic Fiddan-Green, but there’s plenty more where that came from. Both Sladmore galleries – Bruton Place and Jermyn Street – will be showcasing his work, alongside pieces by Degas, Rodin and others. Expect breathtaking beauty and dynamism. Continuous. Sladmore.com

Psycho Nacirema at Pace Gallery

If you’re feeling macabre then make your way to Lexington Street where the American artist and actor James Franco is exhibiting a show based on Alfred Hitchcock’s film Pyscho. It’s a mise-en-scene set at the Bates Motel and full of memorabilia, as well as original pieces. Disturbing and thought provoking. Until 27th July. Pacegallery.com

Patrick Caulfield at Alan Cristea

The work of Patrick Caulfield cannot fail to cheer one up. His paintings are almost childishly simple, in primary-school colours, yet they have a presence which marks them out as great. Everday objects in his world take on a tremendous, vibrating significance. This Cork Street show of his prints runs at the same time as a Tate Britain retrospective: don’t miss either. Until 13th July. Alancristea.com