Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, picks his Top 5 Gallery Exhibitions to see in London in early October.
Teodora Axente: From Horizon of the Matter, Rises the Vertical of the Soul at Rosenfeld
Drawing inspiration from religious paintings, Teodora Axente creates scenes featuring animal-human hybrids and reliquaries that contain a nail from the True Cross or the Blood of Christ. It’s taking art history and giving it her own twist, loaded with symbolism. It feels like part Vanitas, part Renaissance and part Hieronymus Bosch, brilliantly combined. Until 24th October.
Marcel Rusu: Mirage City at JD Malat Gallery
We’ve all seen so many depictions of Los Angeles through Hollywood, it’s as if we know it – even if we’ve never been. Romanian painter Marcel Rusu has never been either and yet captures the blue skies, swimming pools and traffic. However, there’s some sleight of hand in each work as we see himself or his partner featured or reflections in mirrors that show a different world in these highly skilled paintings. Until 8th October.
Conrad Shawcross: Umbilical at Here East
Here’s a rare chance to see Conrad Shawcross’ monumental kinetic sculpture that weaves a length of intertwined rope, before it’s shipped off to its permanent home in Tasmania. It’s a powerful piece that deals with the nature of time, cause and effect, and climate change. Additionally, we have the opportunity to view a couple of his earlier works, which are related to this latest sculpture. Until 2nd November.
Alicja Biala: Raw Earth, Rare Earth at Berntson Bhattacharjee
Polish artist Alicja has employed acid and etching techniques to transport us into the undergrowth in these botanical works. It references our disconnect with nature, and in her central work, she includes plants that are known to remove metals from the soil, thus improving the planet for them and us. It recognises the impact of politics and the climate crisis on the world, as well as the fact that plants can help us address some of the damage. Until 25th October.
Adham Faramawy: The Earth laughs in Flowers at Niru Ratnam
Reflecting on his Egyptian heritage, this exhibition incorporates elements of Egyptian mythology, including paintings about gods and people transforming into plants. The film in the space charts the Industrial decline along the Thames, drawing parallels to the Nile. We can immerse ourselves in his world through his paintings and film. Until 25th October.
All images are copyrighted by the respective artist and gallery. Niru Ratnam photo: Damian Griffiths
