Friday, 21 February 2014

Art picks for Feb/Mar 2014


Looking for somewhere to go to escape the rain? There's lots of art about to brighten your day.

Here's my selection of top picks of London art and photography exhibitions.


Art gallery entrance


Hannah Hoch
As a fan of the offbeat humour of Dadaism and the works it inspired, this exhibition is one I need to make time for.
Top tip: Combine this with a visit to Warhol, Burroughs and Lynch at the Photographers Gallery to see the impact of Dadaist experimentation on later creatives.
Whitechapel Gallery, (020-7522 7888), to 23 March.

Andy Warhol, William S Burroughs and David Lynch
Stiched photos, cut ups, and spooky industrial images. See my blog entry about Warhol's work
Top tip: One ticket gets you into all 3 exhibitions or get free entry all day Monday and Thursday evenings. 
Photographers Gallery London, to 30 Mar 2014 

Jeremy Deller: English Magic 
One I definitely want to see, as I couldn't get to the Venice Biennale and I want to see his work in person. Jeremy Deller makes the kind of work I'd like to be making myself. I need to find my own way there, so I take work like his as an inspiration that the art world still supports artists making socially-inclusive artworks.
Top tip: Only open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Free entry.
William Morris Gallery, London E17 (020 8496 4390),  to Mar 30 

Vincent van Gogh: The Sunflowers
Another London blockbuster exhibition of popular art but not a big pull for me as I prefer to see this artist's work in small doses. I like the link up between two museums though and hope that trend continues.
National Gallery, London WC2 (020 7747 2885),  to Apr 27 

Martin Creed 
At the Hayward Gallery for his first UK retrospective. A very interesting artist whose work has started to grow on me in the last couple of years, as I've stumbled accross more of his pieces that I enjoy. His work started to influence the way I think about my own artworks, so I'll try and make time for this one as well.
Hayward Gallery, London SE1 (020 7960 4200),  to Apr 27 

Richard Hamilton at the ICA
Recreates two installations created by Hamilton for the ICA’s previous premises, sixty years ago, to coincide with Tate Modern’s Hamilton retrospective. 
Top tip: Day membership is only £1, so it's cheaper than the Tate exhibition and see Hamilton prints for free at  Alan Cristea Gallery in Cork Street until 22 March.
ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH. (020 7930 3647) 12 Feb – 6 Apr 2014

Richard Hamilton 
Blockbuster retrospective of 'one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century'.
Blurb: 'Tate Modern presents the first retrospective to encompass the full scope of Hamilton’s work, from his early exhibition designs of the 1950s to his final paintings of 2011. This exhibition explores his relationship to design, painting, photography and television, as well as his engagement and collaborations with other artists.' 
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG.  (0)20 7887 8888, 13 Feb – 26 May 2014 

Hockney, Printmaker
The Independant says 'A rewarding exhibition which firmly establishes, if it was needed, Hockney as one of the most innovative and imaginative print-makers of our time.'
Blurb: 'Timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the artist’s first print this show celebrates David Hockney’s long and fruitful career as a printmaker.'
Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 (020 8693 5254) to 11 May

Bailey's Stardust
More than 250 portraits from his entire career, from around the world, and views of East London from 1961-2.
Blurb: 'Featuring over 250 images, personally selected and printed by Bailey, the exhibition offers an unmissable opportunity to experience the work of one of the world’s greatest image-makers.'
National Portrait Gallery. (020 7312 2463) to 1 Jun 2014

Vikings: life and legend
It's got Vikings - what more do we need to say and I love the British Museum.
Blurb: 'Discover the Viking world in this major exhibition – the first at the British Museum for over 30 years.'
British Museum 6 Mar – 22 June 2014


Links to Guardian Arts, The Telegraph, Artlyst and The Independant art listings