Art gets a case of the firsts with ten new shows and exhibition spaces
There is something so exciting about a first. The first kiss. The first dance. The first time. The first in line. The first option. Here are ten exhibitions brimming with a case of the firsts – from debut shows to new exhibition spaces.
Shaw’s first solo show with Johann Konig is everything you could have hoped for. ‘Quickeners’ is based around a sci-fi infused narrative of Quantam Humans and bio-tech weirdness. If his one on one hypnosis film at KW last year is anything to go by, this video work will grab you like a snake and shake you to attention.
Until Jun 28.
The debut show of Oliver Robb’s new space Evelyn Yard is a group show with some of the best emerging names like Lewis Teague Wright, Takeshi Shiomitsu, Paul Kneale and Jordan Nassar. Try not to spill anything – all the work in ‘June Snow’ will be white.
PV June 6
FRANK AMMERLAAN & SALOME GHAZANFARI AT CHRISTOPHER CRESCENT
This is the second show in the new Brussels location from former London space Christopher Crescent. Its not officially a first – but it's the first time the abstract iridescent paintings of Frank Ammerlaan have been paired with German multi-media artist Salome Ghazanfari so that should count.
PV June 12 6.30-8.30pm; Exhibition runs until 12th July.
PITTURA OGGETTO AT ALMINE RECH
This is the debut group show from Almine Rech in its new London space. Already well established in Paris and Brussels, the Euro big gun has jumped the channel. Its first ‘exhibition-manifesto’ curated by Natacha Carron examines the legacy of 1960s Italian art – Lucio Fontana’s cut canvas.
Until July 26.
ANDREW NORMAL WILSON AT PROJECT NATIVE INFORMANT
Project Native Informant is a little gallery behind Claridge’s which specialises in innovative, internet-infused contemporary art. This week is the first show from American artist Andrew Norman Wilson presenting the project SONE. If the online poster-teaser is anything to go by expect elements of text, critical narrative and a fascination with textures.
PV June 6 6.30-8.30pm
ED ATKINS AT THE SERPENTINE AND THE PALAIS DE TOKYO
Hold your breath – Ed Atkins has a solo show at the Serpentine AND the Palais de Tokyo, his first in France. Expect his unique take on emotion, technology, flatness, glare, poetry, the cinematic, rhythmic sound and all the other aspects that make him so fascinating.
‘Bastards’ Palais de Tokyo, Paris June 6-Sept 7; Serpentine Sackler Gallery June 11-Aug 25
LUCY WOODHOUSE AT FRENCH RIVIERA
French Riviera’s Bethnal Green Road window become the focus for the first public art commission by artist Lucy Woodhouse. The show consists of sculptural objects based on rubbish in Regent’s Canal. The glass objects will be accompanied by a photogram made exposed in the canal waters during the night.
PV June 7 6-9pm, Exhibition runs until July 13.
CONSTANT DULLAART AT CARROLL/FLETCHER
‘Stringendo, Vanishing Mediators’ is Berlin-based Dutch artist Constant Dullaart’s first exhibition at London space Carroll / Fletcher. Few artists have played with the internet in such a delightful way as Dullaart (true name). This show focusing on his fascination with digital language and the origins of software, should be infused with his ever-present humour, intelligence and political edge.
PV June 12 6:30-8:30pm; Exhibition runs June 13 – July 19, Carroll / Fletcher, London
INIFINITE JEST AT SCHIRN KUNSTHALLE
This exhibition, named in response to David Foster Wallace’s novel, looks at the construction of reality. Cue installations and films, objects and images from 20 artists including Ryan Trecartin (his first in Frankfurt), Alicja Kwade, Maurizio Cattelan and Andrea Fraser. A post modern take on the ups and down, fasts and slows of modern existence.
June 5 – Sept 7 Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt
CELIA HEMPTON AT SOUTHARD REID
This brilliant painter’s latest solo shows are definitely worth a visit. Although she works with video and sculpture, she is best known for her vibrant visceral faceless images of men’s cocks. She has a show on also at Cell Project Space in collaboration with Katie Cuddon. The pair will perform their first collaborative performance at Cell on June 8 at 4pm.
PV October 8, Southard Reid; Show from October 9 – November 15, Cell Project Space
