Ian Whittlesea: A Breathing Bulb, Marlborough Contemporary, London
Ian Whittlesea has installed a single light bulb in the centre of the gallery space that repeatedly glows to an intense brightness and fades back down to black. Operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week during the exhibition, the work references the Mazdaznan breathing exercises that artist Johannes Itten taught at the Bauhaus, and forms part of a wider interest in the power of art to change the physiological and psychic state of the viewer.
Until 6 September, marlboroughcontemporary.com
Ian Kiaer: Tooth House, Focal Point Gallery, Southend-on-Sea
Ian Kiaer is an artist known for his site-specific sculptures, so it is interesting to view this collection of work, originally created in response to the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, in a different context. Influenced by 13th century Chinese painting, the work is constructed from repurposed and abandoned materials, such as foam packaging or sweet wrappers.
Until 20 September, www.focalpoint.org.uk
John Ruskin: Artist and Observer, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
The Victorian art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900) is probably best known for his championing of the great JMW Turner. But what about his own artwork? This exhibition of exquisitely detailed drawings and watercolours goes some way to answering that question, providing a detailed exploration of his work as an artist.
Until 28 September, www.nationalgalleries.org
Three Act Structure, S1 Artspace, Sheffield
This evolving group show brings together the work of 15 S1 Studio artists. Presented in three acts, it features a large, adjustable structure created by S1 artists Natalie Finnemore and David McLeavy, used to pull together and present new work by the artists. To tie in with the show, the artist-led space has produced a new compendium of short publications that explore the work of the exhibiting artists and the ethos of S1 Artspace.
Until 13 September, www.s1artspace.org
Gustav Metzger: LIFT OFF!, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
This exhibition curated by Elizabeth Fisher is packed with film, sculpture and installations. It focuses on Gustav Metzger’s auto-creative work – the alter ego of his better-known auto-destructive practice – whilst also investigating the artist’s close connections with the city of Cambridge.
Until 31 August, www.kettlesyard.co.uk
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson
