Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his Top 5 Art Exhibitions to see in London in April. Each one comes with a concise review to help you decide whether it’s for you. If you’re looking for museum exhibitions to visit, check out last week’s top 5 where three remain open to visit.
The Cult of Beauty @ Wellcome Collection
This is a fascinating information-dense look at beauty ideals from Ancient Egyptian cosmetic ointment slabs right through to contemporary artworks. It’s that perfect blend of historical insights with art that Wellcome does so well. Until 28th April.
The Glass Heart: Art, Industry and Collaboration @ Two Temple Place
Stained glass windows, glass ships inside glass bottles and a chair made out of glass infused with uranium – don’t worry, it’s not dangerous. This collection of glassware including dozens of pieces show how this traditional medium is being taken in bold and interesting new directions including a bag that looks so much like fabric that it’s hard to believe it’s glass. Until 21st April.
Shuvinai Ashoona: When I Draw @ The Perimeter
The surreal worlds that Shuvinai Ashoona conjures reflect both her Canadian Inuit culture and her own experiences. She fuses the two together into truly original artworks created using coloured pencils, and featuring human-animal hybrids and tentacles aplenty. Until 26th April.
Rebecca Manson: Leave Love Behind @ Josh Lilley
These large scale sculptures, made from thousands of individual ceramic pieces, and based on moth’s wings are exquisite. The same can be said for her pile of leaves and intricate works made from stained glass. You could happily stare at their remarkable details for hours, while also contemplating the fragility of the natural world and the harm we’re doing to it. Until 27th April.
Anna Perach: Holes @ Gasworks
These sculptures draw on the history of how women are depicted, with topics explored including fairy tales and witch trials. This textile rich show includes a woven body with its insides on show, a drying body shape across a wooden beam and even fabric patterned doors for entering the exhibition. Until 28th April.
All images: courtesy and copyright relevant gallery and artist. The Perimeter photo: Stephen James. Two Temple Place photo: Richard Eaton. Cult of Beauty photo: Benjamin Gilbert. Top 5 Exhibitions to see in London in April
