Joseph Beuys and Jörg Immendorff, Ashmolean, Oxford
This exhibition focuses on the artists’ output from 1968 onwards, evoking the world of the student protests which were taking place across Europe and in the United States. Highlights include a number of Joseph Beuys’ seminal sculptural pieces in felt and animal fat.
Until 31 August www.ashmolean.org/
Ursula von Rydingsvard, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
The first large-scale survey in Europe by highly acclaimed American artist Ursula von Rydingsvard features wall-mounted works, monolithic structures and other complex forms, most of which are meticulously assembled from 4×4” cedar beams.
Until 4 January www.ysp.co.uk/
Melanie Smith, MK Gallery, Milton Keynes
Melanie Smith’s first UK survey show focuses on works made since 1994 that relate to the artist’s own experience of migration; travel, adventure and utopian aspiration combine with disorientation, dislocation and abstraction.
Until 15 June www.mkgallery.org/
British Surrealism Unlocked, Abbot Hall Gallery, Kendal
According to Abbot Hall, Dr Jeffrey Sherwin, a GP by profession, has built up the largest collection of British surrealist art in the country. This exhibition showcases the best and includes work by Desmond Morris, Conroy Maddox, Eduardo Paolozzi and John Davies.
Until 21 June www.abbothall.org.uk/
Tauba Auerbach: The New Ambidextrous Universe, ICA, London
Tauba Auerbach works in a wide variety of media including sculpture, photography, painting, weaving and book design. This exhibition features newly created sculptures and photographs which take as their starting point the scientific principles of symmetry and reflection as a means to hint at an alternate, mirror universe.
Until 15 June www.ica.org.uk/
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson.