Adam Dix: All Are Welcome, Eleven, London
The social origins of communication and the collective consciousness of past and present societies is the subject of this solo exhibition by painter Adam Dix. Taking religion, folklore and national pageantry as a starting point, Dix deploys a palette of muted colours to investigate how we utilise social systems to create unity and harmony within society – whether that be through the traditions of the church or village green, or via contemporary screen-based networks.
Until 29 October 2016, www.elevenfineart.com
Tracey Emin and William Blake In Focus, Tate, Liverpool
This exhibition is part of Tate’s ongoing series that compares works by artists from its collection to explore shared concerns and narratives. On the surface Tracey Emin and William Blake might seem like an unlikely pairing, yet the theme of the ‘absent figure’ puts things in a clearer focus. At the heart of the show is Emin’s infamous My Bed, on show in the north of England for the first time.
Until 3 September 2017, www.tate.org.uk
William Kentridge, Whitechapel, London
This superb show features six large-scale installations by the South African artist William Kentridge. Known for his animated expressionist drawings and films, he explores time, the history of colonialism and the aspirations and failures of revolutionary politics.
Until 15 January 2017, www.whitechapelgallery.org
Nick Christie, Vane, Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle-based artist Nick Christie uses found book covers and pages as a starting point, and prints them whole using an etching press. These images are then transformed into original plates that can be reworked and drawn upon. His automatic mark making and traces of fingerprints are reminiscent of the marks left on a tablet or smartphone, with the mix of analogue and digital references producing unusual results. Showing at Vane alongside the International Print Biennale: 2016 Print Awards.
Until 29 October, www.vane.org.uk
Joey Holder: Ophiux, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge
This installation features film and a ‘futuristic medical room’ that explores modern day healthcare. Holder worked with scientists she met during her residency at Wysing in 2015, with Ophiux a visualisation of how current digital developments are used to extract data from DNA. The installation also includes larger than life-sized models of biological imaging machines as well as genetic sequencing equipment.
Until 20 November, www.wysingartscentre.org
Images:
1. Adam Dix, Inauguration, ink, fluorescent pigment and oil on canvas, 130x170cm, 2015.
2. Tracey Emin, My Bed, 1998. © Tracey Emin
3. Nick Christie, The Living Bible, 2016
4. Joey Holder, Ophiux, 2016. Courtesy the artist
More on a-n.co.uk:
A Q&A with… William Kentridge, artist
A Q&A with… Adam Chodzko, Estuary festival artist
Jerwood Drawing Prize 2016: highlighting the ambiguous boundaries of the medium
