Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his favourite exhibitions to see this month – this time they’re all closing within the next three weeks. Each one comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you. Those looking for more shows should check out last week’s top 5 where all remain open.
Hynek Martinec: Will and Representation @ Parafin
The skull has been used in art history to show us that life is fleeting, but here it’s bright pink and these beautifully executed paintings by Hynek Martinec are a celebration of life as his daughter rests exhausted on the floor of one of his larger paintings. It’s linked and also opposite to his starker earlier black and white works from his previous show at the gallery. It’s accompanied by drawings of his dreams which are aptly tucked away downstairs so we can see the inspirations behind his work. Until 12 February.
Hande Sekerciler, featuring works by ha:ar: Electric Mannerism @ JD Malat Gallery
Bodies merge into one or peel apart in the beautifully crafted and often contorted sculptures by Hande Serkecelir in ecstatic poses. They are accompanied by her collaboration with Arda Yalkin to create digital works that hold a multitude of figures beyond what can be done with the sculptures, and the skeletons giving them a more macabre feel than the physical pieces. Until 10 February.
Suchitra Mattai: Monster & Henry Hudson: Scapes @ Unit London
It’s a double header of shows that both deal with colour. Upstairs colourful fabric dangles from a sculpture, or spills forth from a painting in the vibrant pieces based on the fear of monsters by Suchitra Mattai. While downstairs in the darkness are works by Henry Hudson that use his medium of plasticine but unlike before they are abstract works that are a pure exploration of colour. Both until 12 February.
Carlos Zapata and Iain Andrews: Teraphim @ James Freeman Gallery
Iain Andrews’ expressive colourful paintings and Carlos Zapata’s more sober wooden sculptures are united by themes of religion, myth and worship, drawing inspiration from sources as wide ranging as fairy tales, Old Master paintings and colonialism. The pairing of two very different artists work well as they tackle similar themes in very different styles and with differing energies. Until 5 February.
Januario Jano: Imbambas @ Kristin Hjellegjerde, Wandsworth
A fabric sculpture hangs from the ceiling and a photograph of a pair of shoes are linked as both items are based on the concept of interacting with bodies. It’s part of Januario Jano’s show that looks at the links to colonialism in his native Angola including religion and traditions that have been shaped by the Portuguese and how these have evolved after independence. The London Bridge gallery also has a strong showing of gallery artist Dawit Abebe. Both until 5 February.
