The Place of the Scene, Bloc Projects, Sheffield
Relaunching with a brand new expanded gallery, artist-led space Bloc Projects presents this group show of video, sculpture, painting and print. Featuring new and existing work by Rowena Harris, Fay Nicolson, Joanne Masding and Francesco Pedraglio, the show explores the physical and mental nature of space.
Until 21 November blocprojects.co.uk
Margaret Harrison, MIMA, Middlesborough
With a career dating back over 50 years, Yorkshire born artist Margaret Harrison is best known for her powerful installations that address social concerns and political controversy. For this survey show, the 2013 Northern Art Prize winner presents an overview of her output from the 1980s to the present day. Also on display are Harrison’s Beautiful Ugly Violence drawing series, which acts as a critique of domestic violence.
Until 24 January visitmima.com
Felix Gonzalez-Torres: This Place, The Mac, Belfast
Cuban-born American artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996) is best known for his minimalist ‘removable’ sculptures that allow the viewer to take a piece of the work with them, such as his candy spill series made up of seemingly endless supplies of foil-wrapped sweets. Alongside such iconic gallery works, this show also sees a number of pieces spill out into the streets of Belfast, including a major public billboard that reflects Gonzalez-Torres’ interest in agency and ownership within public and private spaces.
Until 24 January 2016, themaclive.com
Chantal Akerman, Ambika P3, London
The untimely recent death of the celebrated filmmaker and artist Chantal Akerman has placed even greater emphasis on this exhibition of new work. Opening a mere four weeks after her passing, it includes seven installations including a powerful 8 channel video work with surround sound originally commissioned for the Venice Biennale 2015. Focusing on the violently contested regions in the Middle East, it explores the current condition of conflict as lived experience.
Until 6 December p3exhibitions.com
Robert Wilson, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Another exhibition exploring conflict is official war artist Robert Wilson’s photographic record of British troops’ final tour of duty in Afghanistan. Offering a unique perspective on a much documented conflict, his photographs allow a rare insight into the process of ending war, including the packing up and disposal of equipment.
Until 27 March nms.ac.uk
More on a-n.co.uk:
Margaret Harrison pledges support for Paying Artists campaign
