Neil Zakiewicz: Working, Domo Baal, London
This show features a series of sculptural works, plus acrylic on paper, that seem to offer a comment on the mundane nature of everyday objects. Zakiewicz uses materials such as polyurethane on MDF, wood and terracotta to create works that leave a space for the viewer to decipher. Also on show is an accompanying text by John Chilver, which is similarly ambiguous, but nevertheless intriguing.
Until 15 December 2018. www.domobaal.com
Zena Blackwell: Seen Not Heard, MADE, Cardiff
Cardiff-based artist Zena Blackwell’s solo show at MADE features 35 large-scale works painted in striking bright colour. It is the culmination of nine months’ studio practice, made possible by a £5,000 Arts Council of Wales production grant, which she received after winning the MADE Summer Open Prize last year. The starting point for her paintings is family life, with Blackwell referencing observations of her children in various scenarios.
Until 25 November 2018. www.zenablackwell.tumblr.com
John Walter: CAPSID, HOME, Manchester
To create his latest multi-media ‘maximalist’ installation, London-based artist John Walter collaborated with molecular virologist Professor Greg Towers of University College London. It is part of the artist’s ongoing research into the representation of viruses in the visual arts, and features paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, sound and video installations. In addition, Walter references the imagery, language and symbols from a range of sources, including children’s television, the pharmaceutical industry, LGBT culture, science and art history. Read our Q&A with John Walter from earlier this year here.
Until 6 January 2019. www.homemcr.org/exhibition/john-walter-capsid
Emma Hart: BANGER, Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh
The London-based artist’s first solo exhibition in Scotland features new ceramic sculptural works that playfully borrow from the visual language of road signs and car culture to provide a kind of road map for contemporary living. The show also includes Hart’s 2017 installation, Mamma Mia!, first shown last year at London’s Whitechapel Gallery and the result of the artist winning the sixth Max Mara Art Prize for Women in 2016. Read our 2017 Q&A with Emma Hart here.
Until 3 February 2019. www.fruitmarket.co.uk
Rebecca Allen, QUAD, Derby
American artist and digital art pioneer Rebecca Allen‘s solo show at QUAD includes a new virtual reality commission, plus various other VR artworks featuring installations that stimulate the senses including smell and physical interaction. In addition there are film, audio and other immersive works. The exhibition is part of a season of VR exhibitions at the gallery that includes shows by Zane Zelmene, Leila Johnston and Anim18 artists.
Until 3 February 2019. www.derbyquad.co.uk
Images:
1. Neil Zakiewicz, Clay Work, wood, terracotta 77×40×40cm, 2018. Photo: Andy Keate
2. Zena Blackwell, Seen Not Heard
3. John Walter, Cytoplasm
4. Emma Hart, BANGER, 2018, installation view, The Fruitmarket Gallery. Photo: Ruth Clark; Courtesy: the artist and The Sunday Painter, London
5. Rebecca Allen: Life Without Matter
More on a-n.co.uk:
Scene Report: Cardiff – thriving on collective support between artists and organisations
Artists on boards: “It’s essential for artists’ voices to be heard”
Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2019: work by four shortlisted artists engages with “past and present history”
