WHAT'S ON | RECOMMENDED
BRISTOL, BIRMINGHAM, HASTINGS, MANCHESTER
As promised were leaving the big smoke this month with a look at some of the best art on offer outside London. And if this list doesn't prove that there's A LOT of great art to be seen (and being created) outside of the Capital, then maybe we can't be friends. This month the selection highlights community and forming of relationships in the work itself or the coming together and collaborations of artists. From some big hitter galleries and shows down our way we're getting friendly with a round up of some of the most exiting exhibitions to feast your eyes and minds on this month.
So here it is, four excellent shows to catch outside of London this October:
1
14 September - 15 January
RWA 171 ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION - RWA, BRISTOL
The annual open exhibition this year displays over 600 works covering all media you can think of and artists from leading professionals to emerging talents; talent being positively bountiful here! With all that on display, this show doesn't feel cluttered, nothing overshadows or underwhelms, the show comes together with remarkable cohesiveness, works are complementary without being alike.
With invited artist Rana Begum bringing some bright wall-filling installations; prize winner Nicola Turner (creator of the currant amazing sculpture outside the RA) and her provocative winning piece; and Sixteen Online's own Genevieve Murray with her enchanting portrait of Cebi, this show truly packs a punch and stands to be one of the best of the Opens this year.
Each of the small collections have plenty of thought put into them that could make lovely shows of their own. For example the collection of figurative works where Genevieve's portrait sits, is varied and diasporic, a nice reflection of the contemporary way artists are responding to the figure. It is also fantastic to see plenty of excellent printmaking on show from beautiful risograph through drypoint, cyanotype, solar etching and wood engraving to large scale etching. As always with big group exhibitions, there's something for everyone, but definitely a few things to blow you away. Don't miss it!
Find out all the info below.
2
21 September - 16 March
IMMORTAL APPLES, ETERNAL EGGS - HASTINGS CONTEMPORARY, HASTINGS
This fresh take on the genre of Still Life brings together two of the UK's most significant collections into an exhibition comprising of world-class contemporary sculpture, video and installation alongside traditional still life painted works, inviting conversation and challenge on the notion of Still Life.
The Ingram Collection's modern British works look to explore the genre from the 20th Century, in dialogue with the David and IndrÄ— Roberts Collection expanding our understanding of it today. With a title taken from Virginia Wolf's writings, the exhibition looks to provoke our own thoughts and understanding of the quiet poetry of everyday items.
If this idea alone hasn't made you want to jump in a car immediately (it should, the Hastings Contemporary is a beautiful space, and Hastings itself a creatively inspiring place) then just contemplate the list of artists being shown here: Phyllidia Barlow, Louise Bourgeois, Michael Craig Martin, Sarah Lucas, Ai Wei Wei and Henry Moore should be enough to tide you over. Suffice as to say the life on show will certainly be worth the trip!
Plan your trip with the link below:
3
2 October - 23 February
FRIENDS IN LOVE AND WAR - L’ÉLOGE DES MEILLEUR·ES ENNEMI·ES - IKON GALLERY, BIRMINGHAM
Reading the notes for this exhibition was really the catalyst for thinking on the ideas of friendship, collaboration and community, specifically within art and creating. And if you are unable to get to this show, definitely check out the video on the link. The coming together of two curators across galleries, across countries, sharing ideas, artworks and communities to form an exhibition examining the fundamental human relationship of friendship.
This show encompasses painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, textile, film, sculpture; by artists such as Sonia Boyce, Tracy Emin, Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Lubaina Himid, Paula Rego, Keneth Armatage.. I can go on but it might seem ridiculous.
Along side these we see local artists to both the IKON in Birmingham and it's collaborator macLYON in Lyon. The exhibition displays works from the British Council Collection, often overlooked, it contains some of the big names mentioned above. This (somewhat unprecedented) access to the collection allows the curators to bring together these megastars in dialogue with the local artists, travelling between both countries, allowing for new conversations and inspirations, encouraging new friendships. If you don't see the show, there's a lovely topic for contemplation.
4
4 October - 26 January
BARBARA WALKER, BEING HERE - THE WHITWORTH, MANCHESTER
Barbara Walker is one of the most acclaimed British artists working today, championing both figurative painting and drawing creating space for Black presence power and belonging. A Turner Prize nominee, and from Birmingham no less! This show at the Whitworth promises a glimpse at some of her rarely seen paintings along with her Turner Prize nominated drawing series Burden of Proof and work from six major series that tackle themes from policing of Black life, twentieth-century war histories to Old Master paintings, immigration and Windrush. A critical voice in todays art cannon Walker faces these imposing themes with empathy and grace creating works that are both important but nothing short of beautiful.
It's always fantastic to see an exhibition with drawing at its heart, and Walker's work shows just how powerful and impactful this often quiet medium can be. Always worth a trip, the Whitworth is a fantastic space which no doubt will show the work in all its glory, but if you cant make it that far, just know that down the road, the Arnolfini will get this show on tour next March!
That's the October planner complete, and hopefully you've agreed that London isn't the only place to be this Autumn, there's plenty going on around the UK, these are just some top hits! If you have any suggestions for galleries or shows we should be checking out, drop us a message, we always love a good recommendation. We'll be back next month for another round up.
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