2022 - Issue 29
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
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Images 1-2 = Slightly disturbing surrealism, deeply contemplative self portraits and Rorschach landscapes that’ll have you playing spot the difference. Australian artist Ben Quilty (@benquilty) has three distinct styles and I can’t decide which I like best. One of each, please?
‘The Emu Man’ at Sprovieri (@sprovierilondon) until 30 Sep
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Images 3-4 = Everyone’s eligible for a sheet of stickers you can stick anywhere you like in the largest Yayoi Kusama Obliteration Room ever. There’s just 2 catches: (1) You can’t leave with the stickers. They’re tecnically part of the art. You wouldn’t steal art from the Tate, would you? (2) It’s incredibly popular. Be prepared to queue.
At Tate Modern (@Tate) until 29 Aug
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Images 5-6 = I’ve no idea what this show is about because the press release makes no sense, which is apt once you see the works. There’s some crazy sexy cool stuff going on, with the best works exploring variations or mutations of the human form through mixed-media and collage, like a dapper man by Jim Shaw (@JimShawStudio) that reminds me of Dr. Zaius, and the oddly sensual 3D relief portraits from Miguel Angel Payano Jr. (@Miguel_Angel_Payano_Jr).
‘Machines of Desire’ at Simon Lee (@SimonLeeGallery) until 24 Aug
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Images 7-8 = These 3D works appeal to my inner architect and are fascinating from every angle, made possible by an extruded off-the-wall hang. The colour palettes and false perspectives were inspired by a Rome residency where Milly Peck (@MillyPeck) studied housing and stage sets. She’s also skilled at realistic-looking pencil sketches, but it’s her models I found most captivating.
‘Front of House’ at Vitrine, Fitzrovia (@vitrinegallery) until 18 Sep
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Images 9-10 = A very sparse use of colour — often as graffitied eyeglasses that remind me of juvenile doodles in a school textbook — makes the tender charcoal illustrations from Nelson Makamo (@nelsonmakamo) stand out. I can’t decide whether its good or just a gimmick, though I certainly spent more time studying these than I would have without the effect.
PLUS — don’t forget to check What’s On so you don’t miss any of the great shows closing soon.