My Pick for This Week's Events

Wednesday 2 June, Dutch artist Renzo Martens’s provocative film Episode III – Enjoy Poverty (2009, 90 mins) will show at Tate Modern at 6:30 pm in association with Wilkison Gallery and UCL’s Centre for the Study of Contemporary Art. This film examines the representation of Congolese poverty in relation to humanitarianism, photojournalism and contemporary art, and the way these arts compliment and contradict poverty itself. Post-colonial suffering is a huge theme in contemporary art, and in effect brings in money, but is it ethical? The underlying question ‘who owns poverty?’ will be discussed following the screening by Renzo Martens and two guests from UCL’s Department of Art History. 5£ (4£ concessions) Booking is recommended 020 7887 8888.

This Wednesday from 6 - 9 pm, the art community of Wesbourne Grove will be celebrating the launch of the 'First Wednesday' of the Month scheme. Similar to the First Thursday scheme of East London, the galleries and boutiques of West London invite you to enjoy a glass, or 2, of wine while you socialize admist fine art and its connoisseurs. To view a map of the participating galleries go to http://www.fadwebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/FW_Map_Final_Hi_res.jpg

Thursday 3 June, should be a night dedicated to gallery hopping as it is the first Thursday of the month and many galleries in East London stay open late for viewing and wine sipping (6 – 9 pm). Vyner St, a hidden and usually dark street off Mare is a Mecca of art galleries, home to Wilkison Gallery & Vegas Gallery, and gets packed every first Thursday of the month as arty-goers indulge in art and conversation. Be sure to stop by Degreeart.com Gallery at 12a Vyner St for the opening night of a group paint show, and if you’re interested in their 6 – 7 pm drinking/opening reception simply RSVP with elinor@DegreeArt.com as the first hour is subject to a guest list.

Not far off on 7 Bethnal Green Road, Hales Gallery will be hosting the opening night for artist Richard Slee from 6 – 9 pm. Slee is one of Britain’s leading contemporary ceramic artists (also showing at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum) whose work is done which such precision, tact and creativity that you’ll just have to see for yourself.

And a stone throw from there, the Old Truman Brewery (91 Brick Lane) will be host to the Free Range private view from 6 – 10 pm. The brewery will turn into a show of graphic design, product design and of fashion, as graduates from across the city showcase their work. Email me at arleneolvera87@gmail.com for an invitation.

Friday 4 June, Lee’s renovated flagship store in Carnaby will be holding a ladies night from 5 – 8 pm with free make overs, goodie bags from Toni&Guy and drinks. Sorry guys, head down to the pub while your girl gets pampered down in tipsy town.

As for art shows, the Riven Gallery at 9 Langton St SW10 0JL will be holding the opening for their latest exhibition, A Culture of Humanity. The event will take place from 6 – 9 pm and you must RSVP with Janine Fletcher jfletcher@rivengallery.com.

Now, if you find yourself closer to Kennington, head down to the second-venue exhibition of Mateo Lopez’s Made to Measure at Gasworks. The opening of this exhibit will take place from 6:30 – 9 pm and will be a night of interactive art between the artist and guests. Refer to Tuesday 1 June for more info.

Saturday 5 June, Sketch Gallery at 9 Conduit St W1 will be having an opening reception from 2 – 4 pm for their latest film installation Off Ground He which presents footage across 16 screens.

If you work, live or study in Elephant & Castle, you’re invited to the Elephant Portrait Booth at the Blue Container (London College of Communication) to take a fun free portrait to take away with you. The portraits can be for individuals or groups, and is part of the Elephant Vanishes project that wants to records changes taking place in the area.

Carnaby Street Summer of Love Festival will kick off on Saturday at 12:30 pm for a two-day event with bands and DJs performing in different stores. For more info on the line up and promotions, go to http://www.carnaby.co.uk/events/events_item.cfm?id=237 . There will be free 60s inspired make overs for the ladies at PIXI as well as free food and drink at participating restaurants.

Sunday 6 June, Carnaby Street Summer of Love Festival, see Saturday 5 June for more info, or visit http://www.carnaby.co.uk/events/events_item.cfm?id=237

Monday 7 June, Air Gallery at 32 Dover St will host the opening night of Robert Eadie's Painting exhibition from 6 - 9 pm. RSVP is necessary for this view so check the website http://www.roberteadie.com/ and let 'em know you're coming.

Tuesday 8 June, will see the opening and private view of How We Became Metadata group show at the University of Westminster (309 Regent St. W1 2UW) from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. The invitation can be found at http://instituteformodern.co.uk/2010/8th-june-private-view-how-we-became-metadata.

Anthony Reynolds Gallery at 60 Marlborough St will host the private view for Turner Prize winning artist Mark Wallinger from 6 - 8 pm. No RSVP necessary.