Phil Root: Phantom Limb, Spacex, Exeter
This is one exhibition you won’t forget – or rather you might. The work here is all about memory, with the drawings and objects presented under the process of erasure. Defaced coins and foggy landscapes are framed by large plywood display structures, while a video work incorporates imagery from the gallery that reveals the subtleties and intricacies of Root’s artistic process.
Until 13 September, spacex.org.uk
Richard Bernstein: Interview Cover Art, Fashion Illustration Gallery, London
Another exhibition dealing with permanence and time is taking place at the Fashion Illustration Gallery. Richard Bernstein’s cover art for Interview Magazine features paintings, drawings, prints, books and magazines. What’s interesting is the attempt by Bernstein to preserve the celebrity youth of the ’70s and ’80s – this becomes somewhat unsettling in the cases of Mick Jagger and Sylvester Stallone.
Until 23 August, www.fashionillustrationgallery.com
Charlie Woolley: Lone Soul Road, Plymouth Arts Centre, Plymouth
How many exhibitions have you seen that explore motorcycle counterculture? If the answer is none, then here’s the show for you. Woolley examines the commodifiable consumption of underground culture with reference to bikers. Identities that once upon a time may have taken a lifetime to earn, can now, in the form of the avatar, be taken on instantly then discarded and replaced indefinitely. Film work at its best.
Until 7 September, www.plymouthartscentre.org
John Byrne: Sitting Ducks, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
This exhibition explores the highly innovative and richly varied portraiture of John Byrne. There’s a lot to see, from drawings and paintings to multi-media works from across his career that depict friends and family as well as famous sitters, such as Tilda Swinton and Billy Connolly.
Until 19 October, www.nationalgalleries.org
Giulio Paolini: To Be or Not To Be, Whitechapel Gallery, London
Tradition is important in this show. Throughout his career Italian artist Giulio Paolini has paid tribute to his heritage, and in particular artists such as Chardin, Lotto and Velázquez. This immersive journey through five decades of work features elegant installations of canvases, windows, fragments of statuary and checkerboards.
Until 14 September, www.whitechapelgallery.org
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson
