Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, picks his top 5 art exhibitions to see in late May in London. Check out last week’s top 5 if you’re after more shows to visit.
Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan: Ellipsis at Ames Yavuz
This is an impressive debut exhibition for the new Mayfair gallery Ames Yvuz. A wall of crowns features 56 crowns, made from cooking oil canisters, representing the 56 members of the commonwealth and the wealth disparity within it. Sickles that used to be crafted locally and passed down in families are assembled as left wings to show how globalisation has resulted in them being outsourced to China. Plus, a veil of pineapple fibre is woven with the story of the fruit and its association with wealth and colonialism in this eye-catching exhibition full of essential narratives. Until 29th May.
Tom Waugh at Messums, Cork Street
Everyday items we take for granted and throw away like a puffer jacket, squashed bottles, a bin bag, and a coffee cup and lid have been sculpted in marble, a material of permanence. They are exquisitely carved and sometimes enlarged to giant proportions – I wouldn’t fancy taking pills from that blister pack. As well as literal weight, some works are over 50kg, they have the conceptual weight of questioning what we memorialise in our throwaway culture. Until 14th June
Medieval Eyes at James Freeman Gallery
A ceramic skull of Medusa with snakes still writhing and a fly on its head makes eye contact with visitors to this exhibition of contemporary artists inspired by the Medieval era. Each of the four artists adds their contemporary twist to the works. Pinkie Maclure’s stained glass piece may feature a scroll that looks centuries old in its style, but it also has a pair of trainers hanging from it. Mark Conolly and Joseph Dupre round out the quartet, with the latter including medical references reflecting his ongoing career in medicine. Until 31st May.
Marie Harnett’s latest exhibition at Cristea Roberts
This exhibition of small works is a delicately drawn delight. Drawing inspiration from films, mythology, and art history, she creates small scenes of tender moments you need to get close to and get lost inside the wonderful details. Until 8th June.
Barry McGlashan: Invisible Lines, Immortal Beams at Frestonian
We stare out a window onto a country path or watch a boat on a lake. Some colour palettes are muted, others vivid. Each one is a memory that we’re just outside of, catching a glance of what’s happening, but tantalisingly on the edge of it. Plus, they are mesmerising landscapes to look at. Until 14th June.
All images are copyrighted and courtesy of the respective artists and galleries. Ames Yavuz photo: Eva Herzog. James Freeman image copyright Carolein Smit.
