Jenny Saville, Gagosian, London
25 years after Jenny Saville first burst onto the scene she remains at the forefront of figurative art. Although known for her paintings, here she presents a collection of large drawings that continue her exploration of the human form. The sprawling nudes reference Old Masters including Rembrandt, Raphael, and Titian, yet despite the historic reference points, the multi-layered mark making gives the pieces a certain abstract ambiguity.
Until 28 May 2016. www.gagosian.com
Mat Collishaw, Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
Set in and referencing the beautiful surroundings of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England – former YBA Mat Collishaw presents a series of digital artworks. Echoing stories from the garden’s past, two new commissions create visual illusions designed to trick your eyes.
Until 30 October 2016. www.matcollishaw.com
Katie Paterson, The Lowry, Salford
This show is Scottish artist Katie Paterson‘s largest solo exhibition to date and features new commissions alongside some of her best-known art works. Over the course of her career Paterson has collaborated with writers, astronomers, nanotechnologists and musicians. The result is a range of work that explores nature, ecology, geology and cosmology.
Until 17 July 2016. www.thelowry.com
Technology and the Evolution of the Artist’s Book, Phoenix, Brighton
This group show features the work of notable contemporary artists from across the world who approach the book as an art form. The experimental work features imaginative ways in which artists utilise technologies, old and new, to develop work that places image, text and the sensory experience of books at the centre. Key to this is a theatrical display designed by scenographers Anna Jones and Patrick Burnier (Curious Space), and constructed by sculptor Ben Thomson. (See Sarah Bodman’s Artists’ Books column for more on exhibiting artist Heidi Neilson.)
Until 12 June 2016. www.phoenixbrighton.org
Sebastian Buerkner, Saeed Taji Farouky and Jessica Sarah Rinland, BALTIC 39, Gateshead
This programme of films by three artists is presented in the temporary screening space at BALTIC 39. Sebastian Buerkner initially studied as a painter and now uses technology to create animated works that explore the nature of the moving image, while Saeed Taji Farouky investigates human rights from an unseen perspective within areas of conflict. Jessica Sarah Rinland makes films that explore the natural world and issues surrounding the human condition.
Until 8 May 2016. www.baltic39.com
Images:
1. Jenny Saville, One out of two (symposium), charcoal and pastel on canvas, 59 13/16 × 88 9/16 inches unframed (152 × 225 cm), 2016. Copyright Jenny Saville. Photo by Mike Bruce
2. Katie Paterson, 100 Billion Suns, 2011. Photo copyright Katie Paterson
3. Max Marek, Terra Incognita. Photo: Copyright Martin Oppermann. All rights reserved
4. Saeed Taji Farouky, Tell Spring Not To Come This Year (still), 2015. Courtesy the artist
