Patrick Staff: The Foundation, Spike Island, Bristol
This film installation explores queer intergenerational relationships through historical and archive material. The focus is the life and work of Finnish artist Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, whose work had a considerable impact on masculine representation and imagery in post-war gay culture.
Until 20 September 2015, www.spikeisland.org.uk
The M+ Sigg Collection, Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester
It’s been a good couple of months for Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery. Not content with breaking annual visitor records, it also picked up the Museum of the Year award. Featuring over 80 works of art from the 1970s to present day, this exhibition charts the emergence of contemporary art in China. Featured artists include Ai Weiwei, Cao Fei and Zhang Peili.
Until 20 September 2015, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk
Taking Flight: St Ives in the 1950s, Abbot Hall Gallery, Kendal
For a short period during the 1950s St Ives became home to a group of artists who took painting to dizzying new heights of vivid expression, challenging both Paris and New York for the international art crown in the process. This show highlights exactly why, featuring work by Patrick Heron, Terry Frost, Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton and Bryan Wynter.
Until 3 October 2015, www.abbothall.org.uk
The Persistence of Type, Tramway, Glasgow
This group show explores the dialogue between graphic design, visual art and historical and fictional writing. Featuring newly commissioned work by artist Fiona Jardine and designers Sophie Dyer and Maeve Redmond, the exhibition is curated by Panel – an independent, Glasgow-based curatorial practice led by Catriona Duffy and Lucy McEachan.
Until 9 August 2015, www.tramway.org
Ravilious, Dulwich Picture Gallery, London
This major exhibition of watercolours by Eric Ravilious (1903-42) explores the British artist’s brief but prolific career. Known as a key figure of mid-20th century British design for his iconic work at Wedgwood, Ravilious was assigned to the Royal Navy as a war artist during World War II, a time which saw him develop his use of watercolour as a means to capture and preserve a fleeting record of passing time.
Until 31 August 2015, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
