Rachel Howard, Jerwood Gallery, Hastings
This solo exhibition of newly commissioned work features over a dozen new oil paintings, each exploring maritime themes mixed with human experience and emotion. Howard was part of the YBA movement heading out of Goldsmiths in the early 90s, but never allowed this to define her. On the evidence of her latest show, it’s easy to see why.
Until 4 October 2015, www.jerwoodgallery.org
At Home With Vanley Burke, Ikon, Birmingham
Whilst best known for his powerful photography exploring black culture in Britain, Vanley Burke is also something of a collector of curiosities of African and Caribbean communities. This exhibition brings both elements together. Featuring material from his archive, plus a vast collection of posters, flyers, publications, clothes, records, ornaments and other items, this superb show provides an invaluable insight into the artist’s own personal story.
22 July – 27 September 2015, www.ikon-gallery.org
Robert Therrien, The Exchange, Penzance
Size does matter. At least, in the case of Robert Therrien’s work, it plays a part. Examining our relationship to scale, he presents oversized versions of everyday items. The results operate almost in the reals of fables, fairytales, childhood fantasies and the world of dreams.
Until 26 September 2015, www.newlynartgallery.co.uk
Soundscapes, The National Gallery, London
What noise does a painting make? The National Gallery has asked a group of musicians to select a work from its collection and compose a new piece of sound art in response. The project encourages visitors to ‘hear’ the paintings and ‘see’ the sound, offering new insight into familiar work such as Hans Holbein the Younger’s The Ambassadors. Featuring Nico Muhly, Susan Philipsz, Jamie xx, Gabriel Yared, Chris Watson and duo Cardiff and Miller.
Until 6 September 2015, www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Anne Hardy: Twin Fields, The Common Guild, Glasgow
Across The Common Guild’s two floors, this show by British artist Anne Hardy – her first in Scotland – presents two roughly constructed installations that balance precariously between use and ornament. These ‘twinned’ structures occupy the same volume, with objects in wood, metal, concrete and fabric adorning downstairs, while upstairs multiple doors invite us into a wooden box filled with a cacophony of noises.
Until 16 August 2015, www.thecommonguild.org.uk
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson and Chris Sharratt
