We’ve seldom had it so good when it comes to art. Here are our top 5 Summer art exhibitions. Our guide includes Liverpool Biennial, Egon Schiele and Francesca Woodman at Tate Liverpool, Richard Long in Oldham, photographer Lee Miller’s surreal works at The Hepworth Wakefield and a RA takeover in Salford.
Lee Miller and Surrealism in Britain at the Hepworth Wakefield
Lee Miller was a fashion and war photographer, apprentice of Man Ray and leading light in Britain’s Surrealism scene. This exhibition showcases some of her photographs and artworks influenced by surrealism, and her documentation of the wider circle of those involved. The exhibition includes works of art by Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, René Magritte and Henry Moore as well as documentation of the 1936 International Surrealism Exhibition in London and a 1937 Cornish retreat, captured by Miller and Man Ray on camera.
Until Sun 7 Oct 2018, The Hepworth, Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW. Tel: 01924 247360, times vary, FREE, www.hepworthwakefield.org
The best in contemporary art at Liverpool Biennial inc. Inci Eviner, Agnes Varda & Mohamed Bourouissa
Every two years, the city of Liverpool is given over to the very best in contemporary art for the Biennial. More than 20 venues are part of the programme, including big names such as Bluecoat and Tate. Highlights also include the cells of St George’s Hall which are filled with specially commissioned video art and installations. Reenactment of Heaven, a film by Inci Eviner, is a thrilling piece, resembling nothing so much as living painting filled with cartoon-ish women occupying a strange cityscape. There’s a retrospective of work by influential Belgian filmmaker, Agnès Varda, at FACT including a screening of her short film Ulysse (1982) in the foyer. The same venue also showcases work by Mohamed Bourouissa such as Horse Party (2013), a film co-created with a community in North Philadelphia which features fabulously decorated horses, and addresses issues of community regeneration.
Until Sun 28 Oct 2018, various venues, times vary, FREE, www.biennial.com
Intimate portraits: Francesca Woodman and Egon Schiele at Tate Liverpool
Two disparate artists are paired at this new show at Tate Liverpool. Egon Schiele was the protege of Gustav Klimt and his portraits are described as ‘intimate and unapologetic’. Almost never displayed in UK, this is a rare chance to see them in the flesh. Francesca Woodman, a American artist who died in 1981 at the age of 21, also worked with portraiture, typically self portraiture. Using long exposures, her bodies appear ethereal and less solid compared to their surroundings, suggesting an impermanence or transience of mood and time.
Until 23 Sep 2018, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB. Tel: 0151 702 7400, times and prices vary, www.tate.org.uk
Nature and landscape: iconic British artist Richard Long at Gallery Oldham
British artist, Richard Long, is known for working with natural materials, often creating site specific sculptures which interact with their surroundings. This exhibition at Gallery Oldham includes two pieces: Cornish Slate Ellipse (2009) and A Line Made By Walking (1967). Long’s environmentally conscious works feel more relevant than ever.
Until Sun 16 Sep, Gallery Oldham, Oldham Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL. Tel: 0161 770 4653, times vary, FREE, www.galleryoldham.org.uk
Lowry, Hockney & Frink: Royal Academy Takeover at Salford Museum and Art Gallery
The Royal Academy of Arts is an organisation designed to promote art and artists. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the institution, works by RA members which are part of Salford Art Gallery’s collection are being displayed in a new, temporary exhibition, entitled The Royal Academy Takeover: The Exhibition. L.S Lowry, David Hockney and Elizabeth Frink are just a few of the big names on show.
Until Sun 24 Feb 2019, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford M5 4WU
Tel: 0161 778 0800 times vary, FREE, www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk
Image: Lee Miller, Portrait of Space, Nr Siwa, Egypt, 1937. © Lee Miller Archives, England 2017. All rights reserved
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Fri 20 Jul 2018
