Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his favourite Art exhibitions in September to see over the next couple of weeks in London. Each one comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you. Those looking for more shows should check out his top museum shows where all are still open to visit.
Jonathan Roson @ Parallel, Devonshire Square
I’ve been following Jonathan’s work for years so it’s great to see this survey exhibition that contains the full breadth of his work and how it has evolved. It includes his totemic wooden sculptures made from painted and charred wood – works where smell is an integral part of it, and his marble symbols that draw from both calligraphy and emojis to create a language of his own. Plus it’s a great space that gives the large sculptures room to breathe. Until 13 September.
Maha Ahmed & Wawi Navarozza @ Kristin Hjellegjerde, London Bridge
Maha Ahmed’s intricately detailed paintings lean on the tradition of miniature painting to create fantastical realms that are easy to get sucked into despite their small size. While upstairs Wawi Navarozza’s self-portraits are filled with cultural references while examining what it means to be a woman and a mother. Two very different shows that complement each other well. Until 17 September.
Hospital Rooms @ Hauser & Wirth
Hospital Rooms is a fantastic charity that brings art into mental health units to make them more welcoming and inclusive spaces, and use art to help those suffering from mental health issues. This exhibition contains some fantastic works made as part of their programme and those that will be auctioned off to further the charity’s cause. Keeping with The Hospital Rooms vision of accessibility anyone can wander in and create artworks on a communal long table at the heart of the show. Until 14 September.
Selby HI: Cradle @ Reem Gallery
What’s more fun than cats … lots of cats? Chairs and a table made to resemble a cat and textile works on the walls that contains cats and myths relating to them. It’s a fun and playful show by Selby HI that feels like a contemporary Louis Wain, and who doesn’t want to sit on cat chair … at a cat table. Until 17 September.
New Mythologies II @ Huxley-Parlour
This is a great mix of early and mid-career artists who use or reference mythology in their work including Jakob Rowlinson’s collaged piece and suspended mask. My highlight is Tristan Pigott’s mythological creature with an arm reaching out of its mouth holding a severed tongue, on a warped wood board so it curves into the space. Until 17 September.
All images courtesy gallery and artist. Hospital Rooms photo: Tim Bowditch.
