On offer already this year is a wealth of fantastic art to be esteemed, admired and immersed in. Here are five of the best exhibitions to see this spring
Gavin Turk: Who What When Where How & WhyÂ
Gavin Turk’s purposefully controversial career is spotlighted in an exhibition curated by fellow member of the era defining Young British Artists, Damien Hirst. Housed at Hirst’s new gallery space in Lambeth, Who What When Where How & Why features several of Turk’s most famous works: rubbish bags, his Hello! magazine cover, an empty studio space, and even a large skip, and explores the notion of what legitimises value in art.
Who What When Where How & Why at Newport Street Gallery runs until 19th March 2017.
Robert Rauschenberg at Tate Modern
This is the first retrospective of Robert Rauschenberg’s work in the UK for 35 years, and the most complete exhibition of the artist’s works since his death a few years ago. Rauschenberg is one of the greatest artists to come out of America from the 20th century; a forerunner of Pop Art and central figure of Neo-Dadaism who challenged art convention by blurring the lines between painting and sculpture. All six decades of the artist’s working life are displayed, with many works that are rarely ever seen in public. Robert Rauschenberg at Tate Modern runs until 2nd April 2017.
The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection
Unbeknownst to many, Sir Elton John owns one of the world’s most important collections of early-to-mid century photography. This compilation of modernist gems features portraits of Picasso, Matisse and Breton by Man Ray, as well as works by Brassai, Dorothea Lange and Edward Weston. This is a rare opportunity to view art by pioneers of modern photography and offers a peek into the artistic sensibilities of one of Britain’s greatest pop icons. The Radical Eye at Tate Modern runs until 17th May 2017.
teamLab: Transcending Boundaries
Lose yourself in this art-tech mash up that is not just for looking at, but to be manipulated, interacted with and totally changed by the viewer. In three immersive rooms featuring waterfalls, flowers and light installations, teamLab aim to change your perception of art as you know it.
Transcending Boundaries at the Pace Gallery runs until 11 March 2017.
Wolfgang Tillmans at Tate Modern
What to make of the world in which we find ourselves today? Contemporary artist-cum-DJ, photographer and activist, Wolfgang Tilmans offers plenty of food for thought. His first ever exhibition at Tate Modern brings together works in an exciting variety of media; photographs predominantly, but also video, projections, publications, curatorial projects and recorded music – all staged by Tilman’s characteristically innovative style. Wolfgang Tilmans at Tate Modern runs from 15 February until 11 June 2017.
