Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, picks his top 5 exhibitions to see in London in January. If you’re after more shows, check out his top painting shows where most remain open to visit.
Eddy Kamuanga: Nature Morte @ October Gallery
The skin on these figures has been replaced with circuit boards, drawing our attention to the mining in the artist’s home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo to make our electronics and the impacts of the toxic waste material on locals. Paintings feature toys, high chairs and other items associated with childhood but with no children present – asking us to stop and consider the horrendous human impact of technological advancement. Until 25th January.
Xu Yang: Daughter, Sister, Mother, Monster @ Berntson Bhattacharjee
Xu Yang takes the myth of Medusa and reimagines it with herself in the central role, reflecting both her own life and how historically Medusa has been portrayed as a monster when she was a victim of a vengeful Poseidon. Mixing the Greek myth with her Chinese heritage results in Pegasus on a folding screen and Chinoiserie patterns featured in her self-portraits, which include snakes that are more docile than threatening, unlike how Medusa is often portrayed. Until 25th January.
By placing microphones in the Thames Jana Winderen has captured the sounds of boats, waves and river creatures and we can sit or lie down within a large meditative space. It’s a simple concept that’s a great meditative experience you wouldn’t expect to find in such a busy museum. Until 26th January.
Maria Szakats: Romance Apocalypse @ Brooke Benington
Tender figures, flowers and abstract swirls are made with mohair and printed images. Photos won’t do justice to the fluffiness and tactile nature of these intimate pieces, and the use of the material is perfect for these close-up images on the theme of intimacy and how that’s evolving through societal pressures. Until 25th January, free.
Candida Hofer: The Order of Beauty @ Ben Brown Fine Arts
I’ve always loved the photographs of Candida Hofer where she takes high-resolution photographs of large empty spaces such as the galleries of Le Louvre, Trinity College Library in Dublin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. They are spectacular works and this show celebrates 20 years of her working with the gallery. Until 1st February, free.
All images copyright of the respective artist and gallery / museum.
