International Exchanges, Tate, St Ives
This bumper exhibition explores the wider cultural influences that shaped St Ives in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. A mix of constructivist work is presented alongside exquisite craft pieces. Featuring an array of artists including Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon and Patrick Heron.
Until 28 September, www.tate.org.uk
Digital Revolution, Barbican, London
Discover the rise of digital creativity across the arts in this immersive exhibition. Interact with a three-dimensional laser light field, pet robotic snakes and even see the future of wearable tech.
Until 12 September, www.barbican.org.uk
Bridge, Museum of London Docklands, London
Ever imagined how Tower Bridge has changed over the last 100 years? The answer is not much, but this show explores how its surroundings and people have. The ‘now and then’ images on show here are hybrid photographs mixing old and new versions of the capital’s most famous landmarks including Blackfriars and Vauxhall Bridge. Fascinating stuff.
Until 2 November, www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands/
The Pride and the Passion, QUAD, Derby
Some people might have had enough of football for the time being. If you are not one of them, visit this intriguing exploration of grassroots and lower league football at Derby’s QUAD.
Until 7 September, www.derbyquad.co.uk
Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story, Natural History Museum, London
Experience the dramatic story of ancient Britain, its changing landscapes and the people who lived here. Featuring more than 200 specimens, objects and life-size models – a show that’s suitable for children and adults alike.
Until 28 September, www.nhm.ac.uk
Lydia Gifford, BALTIC, Gateshead
The BALTIC’s latest offering examines the language of painting and the balance between painting and object. The translucent, skin-like works have an almost human feel – perhaps partly due to their scale being dictated by the physical dimensions of their maker.
Until 2 November www.balticmill.com
Cities of Ash, g39, Cardiff
This must-see show at Cardiff’s g39 presents an immersive assembly of fantastical urban infrastructure, quasi-realism and psychogeographical reflection. Artists include Robin Tarbet, James Moore, Colin Booth, Hannah Waldron, Rob Voerman and Isabelle Hayeur.
12 July – 13 September, www.g39.org
Rossetti’s Obsession, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Wirral
This intriguing show examines Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s obsession Jane Morris – the wife of his artistic colleague William Morris. Familiar images of (Mrs) Morris in the roles of Beatrice, Pandora, Proserpine, and Astarte sit alongside more somber images of her in everyday life.
Until 21 September, www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Ryan Gander, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
Ryan Gander studied art in Manchester and it is fitting that the city is the focal point of this new exhibition of his work. He describes the themes explored as ‘Imagineering’ and ‘Culturefield’, which essentially mean bringing together various media to highlight the artist’s playful wit.
Until 14 September, www.manchestergalleries.org
Generation, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The landmark Generation project traces the remarkable development of contemporary art in Scotland over the last 25 years. Featuring work by over 100 artists across over 60 galleries, a definite highlight is this group show at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Popular works such as Douglas Gordon’s celebrated 24 Hour Psycho sit alongside newly commissioned installations created especially for the exhibition by Claire Barclay, Toby Paterson, Ciara Philips and Alex Dordoy.
Until 28 January, www.nationalgalleries.org
Cathy Wilkes, Tramway, Glasgow
Another exhibition taking part in the Generation project is taking place at Tramway, Glasgow. Past Turner prize nominee Wilkes splices together multiple media and materials, creating everything from installation and painting to video and sculpture.
Until 5 October, www.tramway.org
Marko Mäetamm, IKON, Birmingham
Get in the mood for a summer of love with this unconventional video piece by acclaimed Estonian artist Marko Mäetamm. Set in the kitchen of his apartment, we see him professing undying love to his wife while she rushes to finish preparations for a meal. Her attempts to undertake a mundane chore are foiled by his intense romanticism. Absurd humour at its best.
Until 9 September ikon-gallery.org
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson
