Tabish Khan, the @LondonArtCritic, picks his Top 5 art exhibitions to see in June. Check out the previous top 5 if you’re after more shows to visit.
Claes Olderburg: Multiples at Shapero Modern
Claes Oldenburg is known for massive-scale artworks that take everyday items and play with scale to create colossal outdoor sculptures. This is a chance to see his smaller-scale works that still play with scale, so there’s a giant trowel in the corner and a framed oversized tea bag. We also see his prints and regular-sized works, such as a playful potato, though not one for eating. I’ve known of Oldenburg’s works for decades, but I can’t remember ever seeing a collection like this – it’s a real treat. Until 29th June, free.
Shyama Golden: “Too Bad, So Sad, Maybe Next Birth” at PM/AM
Blue masks are regularly present in Shyama Golden’s paintings, which are based on the traditional demons and theatrical figures from her native Sri Lanka. A blue masked body lies cut open in front of a car as if it has been run over, and a vibrant pink snake writhes across a canvas. I’m drawn into these vibrant, surreal worlds she’s created. Until 1st July, free.
Natalia Ocerin: Parrhesia at Rosenfeld
The bizarre machinations of the art world can sometimes make it feel like a circus, and Natalia Ocerin has made it into a literal one. She creates models of art world scenarios, such as an auction, complete with eccentric characters, and then transforms them into paintings. Her works have darker elements, as seen in the carousel, which starts with an artist gaining an education, being blinded by money, and ending in death. Until 21st June, free.
Cornelia Parker: History Painting at Frith Street Gallery
I’ve always been a fan of Cornelia Parker’s conceptual works; her latest exhibition rewards spending time with it. It’s about the colour analysis charts of American artist Emily Noyes Vanderpoel and how Parker suggests that her work anticipated many trends that would arise in abstract painting. This show includes used colour palettes and famous headline images recreated using the colour analysis charts, so we have blocky versions of the Moon landings and album covers. Downstairs, Parker has created abstract works using her pigments derived from dinosaur bones and the materials used to make gunpowder. Until 5th July, free.
Anna Perach: A Leap of Sympathy at Richard Saltoun
Walk among a sea of heads made from textiles, before coming across two full-sized figures – one that moves by itself and another that animates when a performer is inside it. Welcome to the ceremonial world of Anna Perach, drawing inspiration from Russian folk tales, novels, feminism and psychoanalysis. Until 24th June, free.
All images are copyrighted and courtesy of the respective gallery and artist.
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Art Critic for both FAD and Londonist. See as many exhibitions as possible and write reviews, opinion pieces and a weekly top 5 for FAD.
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