2023 - Issue 91
Five more shows for you to see out your year, including Tattoo art, Leda and the Swan, boys toys, WWII era photos and a can’t-miss retrospective.
Remember: it’s the holiday season! Please check gallery websites and Instagram to confirm opening days and times before you visit.
Mike Philp (@mike_philp) first came to prominence as a tattoo artist (@mike_philp_tattoo) with a unique style that he’s coined ‘Geo Realism’. Now he’s translating it into large-scale, three dimensional reliefs. They’re a bit trippy in person. Strong geometric patterns fight for your attention with iconic imagery that seems to vanish and reappear based on your vantage point. Thanks to the effects of gold spray paint and shadows, I spent most of my time admiring them from the side.
‘Introspective’ at Quantus Gallery (@quantusgallery) until 03 Jan
Leda and the Swan is part of the art world canon. Countless versions have been painted over the centuries, so this collection of contemporary interpretations might be considered essential viewing for anybody in the art world. From the explicitly literal (Saska Colwell - @saskia_colwell) to one that’s as generic as a horoscope and could be re-labelled to fit into any group show anywhere (Flora Yukhnovich - @flora_yukhnovich) there’s a pretty wide range that also includes astronaut space walks and mechanised lights. My personal favourite is a defiant self-portrait in which Barbara Walker (@barbarawalkerstudio) stands blocking your view of a skeletal swan. It’s a brilliant example of how some artists take agency over a story that’s so batshit problematic I’m surprised the wokerati haven’t yet tried to cancel it.
‘LEDA and the SWAN: a myth of creation and destruction’ at Victoria Miro (@victoriamirogallery) until 13 Jan
This retrospective of Nicole Eisenman (@nicoleeisenman) shows that she has both skills and sarcasm to spare. Her early works boldly embrace the sexuality and empowerment of women, with an equal amount of time spent taking the piss out of men, and in particular male chauvinistic stereotypes of lesbians. She’s raw, rude and ridiculous and you’ll want to raise your fist and scream “Right on”! Her later works take a more serious approach, in both visual style and theme, covering religion, family, American politics and the destructive isolation brought about by the devices intended to connect us. Though some of the works, especially the American political pieces, need a close read of the wall text to fully understand the nuance, most of Eisenman’s messaging is anything but subtle. Yet there’s an intimacy to her works that belies their often cartoony appearance.
Shame on me for leaving it so late to see this show, and kudos for making me laugh out loud within minutes of entering it. Don’t miss this.
‘What Happened’ at Whitechapel Gallery (@whitechapelgallery) until 14 Jan
Fashion models in the 2020’s: I want a million Tik Tok followers and my own line of cosmetics.
Fashion model in the 1920s: I want to apprentice with Man Ray and then become a war photographer.
Lee Miller was cut from a different cloth and it’s a shame they threw away the pattern because she blazed trails that should be taught in schools. Miller’s accomplishments aren’t widely known, but exhibitions like last year’s ‘Postwar Modern’ at the Barbican and recent biopic ‘Lee’ starring Kate Winslet are helping to correct that, along with this show of 32 silver gelatin prints. It’s a rare opportunity to see her photos in person. Be sure to browse the books in reception for additional imagery and insights.
‘You Will Not Lunch In Charlotte Street Today’ at TJ Boulting (@tjboulting) until 20 Jan
They might look like child-size plastic action figures but they’re large, and they’re wood! Takahiro Komuro (@tkomfactory) sculpts and then meticulously paints his large wood figures to look like the kinds of durable kids plastic that shaped so much of my childhood. Some are even articulated, but since they range from £8,000 - £20,000 (yes, really!) the gallery wouldn’t let me play with them without first putting down a deposit. I’m joking, but had the front room not been attended I definitely would have knocked on that robot just to check it was actually bronze and not black plastic. This is a rare chance to see these items outside of Tokyo, and despite the price they’re selling fast!
‘Phantom Cave’ at StolenSpace Gallery (@stolenspacegallery) until 28 Jan
PLUS…
Check the What’s On page so you don’t miss any other great shows closing soon.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter.