A new location, but lacking the excitement of the old (Saatchi Gallery (London))

Name: magenta23

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Product:	Saatchi Gallery (London)
Date:	18/11/08 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: To view to work of a great art collector.

Disadvantages: A confusingly laid out buliding, lacking in character

I first visited the Saatchi Gallery when it was on The South Bank in County Hall and saw an exhibition of Saatchi's more famous purchases...Tracy Emin's bed, 'that' Myra Hindley portrait and some of Grayson Perry's famous pots. It was an impressive contrast, all these icons of modern art in such a lovely old building. Devasted when it closed as it quickly became my favourite London Gallery, and sad to hear of Saatchi's fire when he lost many pieces, I was eager to see the new gallery which recently opened in Chelsea. (so eager I went before it opened just to have a peak) The location is lovely, in the park, just behind the King's Road, you wouldn't expect to find a gallery such as this, and it does look grand. However when you get inside the layout is confusing the exhibits limited. The buling is modern, all white walls and glass, none of the character of County Hall. Gallery 13 (on the lower ground floor) was the highlight for me. There housed Sun Yuan and Peng Yu's 'Old People's Home', 13 life size sculpures of OAPS dressed as world leaders whizzing around in wheelchairs!! Great art that really entertains. You then follow the building to find 12 further galleries spread out on three more floors. The whole gallery is devoted to on exhibition 'New Art form China'. An interesting collection, although I was hoping for a little more than one singular exhibition. The gallery took little over an hour for me to have a comprehensive look around, and I was hoping for a day out.

Summary: A good new London Gallery, but not the best anymore.