Embark on an artistic voyage across continents, from the intimate portrayal of femininity to the immersive realms of Yayoi Kusama. Dive into hierarchies and generational legacies, as we unravel the vibrant worlds of these visionary artists. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration of creativity and expression!
Exploring Femininity: Natalie Terenzini’s ‘As Good As It Gets’
Where: Thierry Goldberg Gallery
When: 8 Sep – 7 Oct
In ‘As Good As It Gets,’ Natalie Terenzini boldly explores femininity through a captivating alter ego. Her vivid paintings capture moments of vulnerability and transformation, depicting the character in stages of undress and raw emotion. Each piece encapsulates a pivotal episode in her journey, from yearning to fulfillment and disappointment. The figures exude a range of emotions, from expectant longing to melancholic frustration, forging a deeply relatable connection with the viewer. Terenzini’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the charged, uncomfortable moments that define our own lives.
Yayoi Kusama’s UK Retrospective at Tate Modern
Where: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
When: 8 Sep – 2 Oct
Experience the largest UK retrospective of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s immersive creations, renowned for their polka dot motifs. The exhibition showcases 200+ works, spanning paintings, sculptures, and installations, organized into distinct sections. Explore early paintings inspired by Kusama’s childhood visions, and step into her mesmerizing “Infinity Rooms” that play with mirrors and light to evoke boundless space. Delve into Kusama’s performances and ventures in the fashion industry, offering a comprehensive glimpse into her versatile artistic journey. On display until October 2, 2023, at London’s Tate Modern.
Tariku Shiferaw’s ‘Marking Oneself in Dark Places’
Where: Galerie Lelong & Co.
When: 7 Sep – 21 Oct
In his latest exhibition at Galerie Lelong & Co., artist Tariku Shiferaw delves into the hierarchical structures of Western arts and culture. Through intricate geometric abstractions and layered materials, he examines the act of markmaking as a testament to one’s existence. The show, titled “Marking Oneself in Dark Places,” features new paintings and an immersive installation titled “A Sign in Space” inspired by Italo Calvino’s Cosmicomics. This cosmic narrative centers on an entity fixated on leaving a mark in the boundless universe. Shiferaw’s installation includes paintings, ceramic sculptures, and an auditory experience evoking the sounds of the African diaspora under the night sky.
Lap-See Lam’s ‘Tales of the Altersea (Prologue)’: Navigating Generational Loss
Where: Galerie Nordenhake, Berlin
When: 15 Sep – 28 Oct
Featured in The Artsy Vanguard 2021, Lap-See Lam explores the fading legacy of Chinese restaurants in the West through 3D-scanning, symbolizing intergenerational knowledge transfer. The Berlin Art Week exhibition at Galerie Nordenhake showcases Lam’s narrative installations, including the VR piece “Phantom Bouquet,” delving into this wisdom. Kinetic sculptures, employing neon, brass, and shadows, pay homage to the iconic “Sea Palace” restaurant-ship’s 1990s journey from China to Europe. This show precedes Lam’s representation of the Nordic nations at the 2024 Venice Biennale, where a collaborative multidisciplinary work will be unveiled.
“Hilma af Klint: Abstract Art Pioneer”
Where: 23 Sep, 2023 – 8 Feb, 2024
When: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York
This retrospective unveils Hilma af Klint’s avant-garde contributions to abstract art. Preceding Kandinsky and Mondrian, af Klint’s early 1900s work was driven by spiritual and occult influences. It featured geometric forms and symbolic motifs. The exhibition showcases over 200 pieces, including paintings, drawings, and watercolors. It delves into her automatic drawing technique and monumental “spirit murals.” Additionally, it offers insights into af Klint’s spiritual beliefs. She viewed her art as messages from higher realms, seeking to enlighten humanity about the universe.