February's Most Talked About New Art Exhibitions
Last Updated 19 February 2015
You might have heard the buzz surrounding these exhibitions — if you're undecided about whether or not to see them, here's our guide to which are worth it. All but one are free to visit.
William Mackrell at The Ryder
Did you miss an artist in a Citroen being pulled along by two horses through London last summer? If so, then you can see the vehicle in question plus a video of the event in a new project space in Bethnal Green. It raises awareness of how we've grown accustomed to antiquated measures such as horsepower. Free, until 14 March
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆
Luc Tuymans: The Shore at David Zwirner
The artist has been in the news because he's been found guilty of plagiarism on frankly ridiculous grounds. That said, his latest exhibition of paintings is remarkably dull, though if you like Marlene Dumas' work you may enjoy this too. Free, until 2 April
Londonist Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Animal at Londonewcastle project space
It's all about the experience in Gonzalo Borondo's immersive and creepy exhibition. Broken frames litter the floor and visitors have to walk over bark chips to see a video of drumming, sculptures of birds and projected portraits. Even though we didn't like all the works, we admired the ambition of this show. Free, until 27 February
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆
Henry Moore at Gagosian, Davies St
Henry Moore's studio has been recreated in Mayfair, filled with drawings, maquettes, small sculptures and the items that inspired him, such as shells and bones. It's a great use of a small window space to provide some insight into Moore's creative process. Free, until 2 April
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆
Ali Banisadr: At Once at Blain|Southern
This Iranian-born artist has created large scale works bursting with colour that seem to combine a Middle Eastern vibrancy with Western surrealism. The abstract forms appear monstrous but never quite come into focus, offering these paintings a teasing ambiguity. Free, until 21 March
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆
Sweet Smell of Incense at Pace
This exhibition is a tribute to art dealer Robert Fraser and brings together pieces by artists who were represented through his gallery. It's a superstar line-up featuring Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Richard Hamilton. The sheer number of works makes for a fitting tribute. Free, until 28 March
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆
Tony Oursler at Lisson gallery
These disturbing oversized faces blink and mouth at viewers and are the artist's way of highlighting the pervasive and ominous progress of facial recognition technology. Though the works are striking, the social commentary never hits the spot. Free, until 7 March
Londonist Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Rashid Johnson & Mira Schendel at Hauser & Wirth
Mira Schendel's work is all about delicacy in this sparingly curated show, but the focus is on her monotypes which are rather dull. Rashid Johnson is in the other gallery but his latest show lacks the socio-political bite of previous efforts. Free, until 7 March
Londonist Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Katy Moran at Parasol Unit
A remarkably versatile abstract painter who can take on any subject with a brush, taking influences from Romanticism, aboriginal art and even Turneresque sunrises. Any fan of painting and abstract art should see this show. Free, until 8 March
Londonist Rating: ★★★★☆
Viviane Sassen: Pikin Slee at ICA
These fantastically composed photographs of a Surinamese village find beauty and elegance in the everyday. £1, until 12 April
Londonist Rating: ★★★☆☆