2023 - Issue 63
Showcasing artists and works that caught my attention.
Many celebrities and a few select royals often go out of their way to be seen doing “normal” things to show that, hey, they’re just like us! Alison Jackson (@alisonjacksonartist) has been taking the piss out of this, and the celebrity pedestal lifestyle in general, for a few decades now via her “convincingly realistic work portraying the imagined private lives of public figures using cleverly styled lookalikes”. I nicked that quote from her website, where you can see hundreds of spit-take, laugh-out-loud samples. I’ve been a big fan for years, but it’s not that often you get to see her work framed on display. Now you can, with a timely selection of ‘Coronation Crazy!’ imagery, selling at prices fit for a King.
‘The Crown’ at Grove Gallery (@grovegalleryofficial) until 27 May
There’s just enough that’s “off” about these paintings by Robin Megannity (@RobinMegannity) to hold my attention, even if I can’t always figure out why. Sometimes it’s just an amusing image. More often it’s because they’re framed and clipped like throwaway Pinterest posts despite all the works being meticulous oil on linen. Some painted twice! I’m not entirely sure what this show of work, which feels more like a study than a statement, is aiming to impart about our digital age, but like a good meme it made me smile and share.
‘Call of the Void’ at Workplace (@_workplace_) until 04 June
These repetitive images interrupted, both random and intentioned, are made by Emily Kraus (@Emily_Kraus_) who made a machine to help her make them. Born from the need to solve a spatial studio constraint, her mechanical tool is both canvas and brush, resulting in glitch-effect output that looks like a broken lenticular or photocopier spooling error. They’re huge and hypnotic and might give you pattern recognition hangover.
‘Nest Time’ at The Sunday Painter (@TheSundayPainter) until 10 June
These works aren’t always easy to look at, but neither is the process of seeing yourself age. Over the last six years Frank Auerbach (now 92) drew and painted himself, carefully studying every line, every sag, every discolouration that’s built up over time to remove his youth. You wouldn’t want one of these as your Tinder profile, but then again maybe you would. They’re an example of the bold expression you get from an artist that’s gained a lifetime of experience while never losing the inquisitiveness of a student.
‘Twenty Self-Portraits’ at Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert (@hazlitthollandhibbert) until 14 July
PLUS — don’t forget to check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.