What's on in London art: April-May 2016

My three picks.  What I want to visit:

© VAM

1.  Botticelli Reimagined
Has Pre-Raphaelites, Nazarenes, Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and, most importantly, 56 Botticelli pictures.  How wonderful!  A friend told me: don't tarry near the Nazarenes; go straight to the Botticellis; you'll need the energy.  That's what I plan to do:  make a beeline past the epigones, indulge in Botticelli, and sample the PRB et al. for dessert.

Victoria & Albert Museum.
Ends 3 July 2016.

~~~

© RMG

2.  Samuel Pepys:  Plague, Fire, Revolution
I don't know what to expect but I've not been to the Greenwich museum in decades; I loved it when I was last there.  Several friends are enthusiastic about this exhibition so I am positively inclined.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Ends 28 March 2016.  Last chance!

~~~

© Whitechapel Gallery

3.  Harun Farocki: Parallel I-IV

I saw some of Farocki's video installations in Berlin 2 years ago.  They are absolutely amazing.  Some years ago I saw Harun Farocki's brilliant video installation at the Documenta in Kassel in Germany.  You may at first be confused but it will grow on you and after a while, its power and meaning creeps up on you, and you will be mesmerised.  It's film; it's emotional; it's political; it's intelligent; it manipulates reality digitally; it looks at men's experiences in war and how soldiers are immersed in live and videogame violence and trauma.

Whitechapel Gallery.

Ends 15 May 2016.

~~~

Plan ahead!

Georgia O'Keeffe at Tate Modern!  Starts 6 July 2016.

Mona Hatoum at Tate Modern!  Starts 4 May 2016.

Wifredo Lam (Cuba) at Tate Modern! Starts 14 Sept. 2016.

Beyond Caravaggio at the National Gallery!  Starts 12 Oct. 2016.

Turner Prize at Tate Britain!  Starts 27 Sept. 2016.

David Hockney, portraits and still-lifes at the Royal Academy!  Starts 2 July 2016.

Abstract Expressionism at the RA!  Starts 24 Sept. 2016.

Three October art things in Cambridge

What art to see in Cambridge this month:  My quirky picks

1)  Shaggy Dog Stories, by Tom Hackett.  Yellow dogs in wheelbarrows.  On a balcony in the Lord Ashcroft Business building at Anglia Ruskin University on East Road.  More about them on the surrounding walls.  You can touch them!  They feel sort of slimy, like dry soap.  

2)  Kerstin Hacker's haunting photographs of births, babies, midwives and mothers on a Czech maternity ward.  Strange, beautiful, sad, wrenching.  At Changing Spaces, that little gallery next to CB2 on Norfolk Street.

 More here:  http://changing-spaces.org/2015/10/kerstin-hacker-maternity-ward/

Ends 1 Nov.

3)  Oh, and my own talk at the Festival of Ideas on Saturday, 24 Oct, at 2 pm.  :-)  Come along to the Fitz and join me for Power and Resistance in Sculpture in the Aftermath of World War One.




http://www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/events/power-and-resistance-sculpture-aftermath-world-war-one

Month: October 2015
Place: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Easter and art! What's on in Cambridge art, April 2014

My personal pick of five:

1.  Art and Life 1920-1931:

Winifred Nicholson, her husband Ben, and her friends (exhibition)

  

Winifred Nicholson, Roman Road (Landscape with Two Houses), 1926
Source: © Kettle's Yard.

Don't miss the incredible picture of a zebra on the roof terrace of Le Corbusier's iconic modernist building, the Villa Savoye (picture by Christopher Wood; click on the link to see it, or, even better, go to Kettle's Yard and be surprised!!)

My son's favourite was the white abstract relief by W. Nicholson.

Where: Kettle's Yard. 

Ends 11 May 2014.

2. Charlotte Hodes (event)

Charlotte Hodes, Proposition 17: Order of Things (detail), 2014
Source:  New Hall Art Collection.  © the artist

Charlotte Hodes in conversation.  Hodes makes intriguing paper-cuts and ceramics, with delicate female figures crawling, walking, dancing and lying among ornament and patterns.  And New Hall (Murray Edwards) is always a nice place to visit.

Where:  Murray Edwards College (New Hall), Long Room. 

When:  Sat, 26 April 2014.  4.30 pm.

 

 3.  Sue Shepherd (exhibition)

© Sue Shepherd; source: ARB Public Art blog

The Alison Richard Building is a nice venue and this artist's work looks interesting: combines photos, scribbled text and fluorescent lighting.

Where:  Alison Richard Building, West Road.

Ends 27 June 2014.

 

4. Nicola Powys (exhibition and event)

Nicola Powys, Male-blue; © the artist

Where:  Williams Art Gallery, Gwydir St.
Ends 4 May 2014.
What and when:  Talk, Wed 30 April 2014.  For info on how to book, click here.

 

5.  Irish Art in Cambridge (exhibition)

Zelouf + Bell, Oak leaf console.  Source:  zeloufandbell

An opportunity to pop into the Caius Library near Senate House, previously the Squire Law Library,  and to see some interesting paintings and interior design artefacts.  Late-night opening allows for flexible visiting!

Where:  Caius Library, Gonville & Caius College, entrance from Senate House passage

When:  Thurs 17 and Fri 18 April, 6-9 pm; 19-21 April 9-5

More 'What's On':

Nine arty things to do in March 2014 - Many of these are still on!  I especially recommend the Fiji exhibition at the MAA.

Art to see outdoors in the sun:

A visit to Haddenham Gallery  (outdoor sculpture garden)

Where to take family visitors:  A Cambridge itinerary

Looking up at Cambridge buildings  (wander around and crane your neck)

Visit the Cambridge Sculpture Trails

And:  yarn-bombed Mill Road Bridge!

Exhibitions in London this autumn 2013

From Cambridge to London:  Arty days out

My pick of great exhibitions that are on from October 2013.  Plan your itinerary now!

Victoriana:  The art of revival
Contemporary art of the last 20 years that is inspired by the Victorian age.  How cool and steampunky is that?  Can't wait to see this phantasmagoria.

One of Tessa Farmer's astounding filigree insect-fairies.  Farmer is showing at the Guildhall. Pic © Tessa Farmer; source: Saatchi.

Where:  Guildhall Art Gallery, London.
Nearest tubes:  Moorgate.  Bank.
Check website for closures.
Cost:  £12
Ends:  Sun, 8 Dec 2013

Art in Australia
Australian art is phenomenally good, and even when it's not good, it's fascinating and weird.  I partly grew up in Australia and love its art a lot.  I've been looking forward to this show since I first heard it was coming to London (back in March) and cannot wait to see it.

Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly paintings are some of my all-time favourites:

Sidney Nolan, Ned Kelly, 1946

Where:  Royal Academy, London.

Nearest tubes:  Piccadilly Circus.  Green Park.

Cost:  £14

Ends:  Sun, 8 Dec 2013

The male nude:  18th-century drawings from the Paris Academy
The 18th century!  Classicism, Enlightenment, the Rococo!  Plus naked men.  What's not to love?  Also, if you haven't been to the wonderful stately-mansion Wallace Collection and sat in its beautifully refined palm courtyard restaurant / café -- you've a treat in store!

Drawing by Jacques Dumont, 1792

Where:  Wallace Collection, London.

Nearest tubes:  Bond St.  Baker St.  Oxford Circus.

Cost:  Free!

Starts:  Thurs, 24 Oct 2013

Ends:  Sun, 19 Jan 2014

Kara Walker
It's a bit shlepp out to the Camden Arts Centre but will be totally worth it.  Kara Walker has shown works at Kettle's Yard, here in Cambridge, on and off over the years, and it's always been a riveting revelation.  She does black silhouette cut-outs, that are projected in a moving dance across gallery walls.  Quite stunning, and politically interesting, too.

Reminds me of Lotte Reiniger.

Kara Walker

Where:  Camden Arts Centre, London.

Nearest tubes:  Finchely Rd, Hampstead.  Overground:  Finchley Rd & Frognal.

Cost:  Free!

Starts:  Fri , 11 Oct 2013

Ends:  Sun, 5 Jan 2014

Have a great time planning and enjoying!  And let me know what else you've seen and liked.  :-)

Permalink:  http://artincambridge.blogspot.com/2013/10/exhibitions-in-london-this-autumn-2013.html

Cambridge Open Studios Part 2: What to see north of the river

Some Open Studios to visit in CB3 and CB4

•  Melanie Max

I've written about Melanie Max before and last year I saw her exhibition in Ely and was entranced.    I really look forward to her ice blue seascapes and minimal compositions and subtle textures.  I could gaze at these for hours.

© Melanie Max.  Source of image: Click on artist's name above.

Where:  Kaetsu Centre, Murray Edwards College (New Hall).  CB3.

When:  Weeks 2 and 3.  13-14 and 20-21 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 2

•  Margaret Ollett

Local landscapes:  Fen Ditton, Midsummer Common.  I've not seen any work by her before so am anticipating enjoyment.

© Margaret Ollett.  Source of image: Click on artist's name above.

Where:  Harvey Goodwin Ave.  CB4.

When: Week 1.    6-7 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 7

•  Peter Cavaciuti

I'm intrigued by these delicate Chinese ink creations.

© Peter Cavaciuti.  Source of image: Click on artist's name above.

Where:  Koshosai, Oxford Rd.  CB4.

When:  All 4 weeks.

6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 3

•  Rowan

If you've never visited this initiative, dedicated to bringing art and people with learning disabilities together, you'll be surprised at the lovely atmosphere and the great variety of work.  I went some years ago and found it a happy-making experience with unusual and diverse art.

© the artist.  

Source of image: Click on 'Rowan' above.

Where:  Humberstone Rd. CB4.

When: Weeks 2 and 3.   13-14 and 20-21 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 16

•  Mohammed Djazmi


Mohammed Djazmi had an exhibition at the Williams Art Gallery recently.  I saw it and liked it.  There will also be more minimal landscapes of the kind that appeals to me.  

© Mohammed Djazmi.  Source of image: Click on artist's name above.

Where:  Minerva Way.  CB4.

When:  Weeks 2 and 3.   13-14 and 20-21 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 26

•  Emma Will

I like the texture of the driftwood and its contrast with the smooth ceramics.

© Emma Will.  Source of image: Click on artist's name above.

Where:  Dalton Sq.  CB4.

When  Weeks 2, 3 and 4.  13-14, 20-21, 27-28 July 2013.

Studio Nr: 28

So that's what I'm hoping to see!  How about you?


Please note that this is my personal selection on my personal blog.  For a list of all the 100s of artists participating and for pictures of their work:  please consult the Cambridge Open Studios Guide.

Other posts:

Cambridge Open Studios Part 1:  The top five collective art exhibitions

Permalink: http://artincambridge.blogspot.com/2013/06/cambridge-open-studios-part-2-what-to.html

The top five collective art exhibitions (Cambridge Open Studios, Part 1)

Cambridge Open Studios, Part 1

Yesterday, I picked up my copy of the Cambridge Open Studios Guide from Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery.

It's a lovely moment in the annual art calendar of Cambridge:  when you first open that tall yellow brochure, stare at the bewildering number of colourful dots on the maps (each denoting one Open Studio), and try and make sense of the gazillion participants' entries.

What is Cambridge Open Studios? 

"Over 260 artists in Cambridgeshire open their doors for 4 weekends in July.  Weekend 1:  July 6-7.  Weekend 2:  July 13-14.  Weekend 3:  July 20-21.  Weekend 4:  July 27-28.  11am-6pm."  (from the Open Studios Guide)

For those of us with limited time, how can we make the most of these weekends? Prepare in advance by reading my peek-aheads over the next few weeks.

If you want to see the most art in the shortest time:

For the most 'bang for your buck', visit collective studios or exhibitions.  They're marked with a red dot on the map; this means:  "More than one artist at the same location."  

The top five collective studios

1a)  CB5:  Cambridge Museum of Technology

The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Lane, down by the river, CB5 8LD.

Weeks 2 and 3, 13-14 and 20-21 July

Here you'll see 8 artists,  including :

© Katie Bailey
(Soul Meets Soul)

© Sheena Davies
(The Swimmer, Jesus Green)

© Carl West
(Flash Break)

© Joe Dean
(Stairwell)

1b)  CB5:  The Woodyard @ Peter Harrison Furniture (next door to the Cambridge Museum of Technology)

38 Cheddars Lane, CB5 8LD.

Weeks 2 and 3, 13-14 and 20-21 July

Workshop panorama
© photo Peter Harrison
(source of image)

Here you'll see 3 more artists and woodworkers, including:

© Colin Wiles
(Still Life with Lighthouse)

2)  CB1:  St Barnabas Press

The Belfast Yard, Coldhams Road, CB1 3EW.  (Off Coldhams Lane, near the Beehive Centre.)

Weeks 1, 2 and 4, 6-7, 13-14 and 27-28 July

Here you'll see more than 10 painters, illustrators and printmakers, including:

© Noriko Sasaki
(Quick Poses x 3)

© Mark Rigby
Tutor of Cambridge Life Lines, a group of artists who will exhibit at the Press
(Fallow Deer in Glade)

3)  CB4:  Cambridge Artworks

5 Green's Rd, CB4 3EF.  (Off Victoria Rd, near Mitcham's Corner.)  

Bonus:  The ArtSpace Café will be open.

Weeks 2 and 3, 13-14 and 20-21 July

Here you'll see 11 artists, including:  

©  Alison Litherland
(He Looks Tasty)

For more cow paintings, read my blog post on Alison Litherland.

©  Esther Melamed
(Perseverance)

© Judy Logan
(I Came from the Sea)

4)  CB1:  Cambridge Art Salon

29 Cromwell Rd, CB1 3EB.  (Between Mill Rd and Coldhams Lane, near Wardrobe, the fancy dress shop)

Weeks 1, 2 3 and 4, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 July

Here you'll see 5 artists, including:

©  Diana Probst
(Still Life with Bottles)

5)  CB23:  Burwash Manor

New Road, Barton, CB23 7EY.  (Off Barton Rd / Cambridge Rd.)

Weeks 1, 2 3 and 4, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27-28 July


Here you'll see 14 artists, illustrators, crafters and woodturners over 4 weekends, and at least 7 every weekend, including:

©  Sue Rapley
(River through the Meadow)

© Sheila Reddy
(Lemons from the Grove)

Coming up on this blog:

More look-aheads to individual artists

What to see in different postcode areas

Five questions about Cambridge Open Studios

Ten reasons to visit Cambridge Open Studios

And don't worry: also other posts that are not the Open Studios... :-)

What to see north of the river

Further info:

Pick up the free yellow Guide at any Cambridgeshire art gallery, museum, library, many cafés and shops.  Or:  Download the Guide.

Cambridge Open Studios website

Map of studios

And for a great work of art that's still on view now:

See my blog post on Rebecca O'Hanlon's magical photograph.

Permalink:  http://artincambridge.blogspot.com/2013/06/cambridge-open-studios-top-five.html