Turner in January 2014, Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh
Start 2014 with a visit to the Scottish National Gallery’s annual JMW Turner exhibition. These works, bequeathed to the gallery by the distinguished collector Henry Vaughan, span Turner’s career, from his early topographical wash drawings to his atmospheric sketches of continental Europe from the 1830s and ‘40s.
Until 31 January, www.nationalgalleries.org
David Tremlett, Ikon, Birmingham
David Tremlett, best known for his site-specific wall drawings, makes a vast new work for Ikon during its 50th anniversary year. Transforming the venue’s second-floor galleries with his trademark geometric shapes, he has applied pastel pigment and engine grease directly to the walls to create an immersive experience.
Until 21 April, ikon-gallery.org
Amar Kanwar, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
Brave the weather and head to Yorkshire Sculpture Park for the first major UK exhibition of work by internationally acclaimed artist Amar Kanwar. The exhibition, in YSP’s Underground Gallery, centres on The Sovereign Forest (2012–), which explores the impact of mining and other commercial activities on the landscape and communities of Odisha (formerly Orissa), India.
Until 2 February, www.ysp.co.uk
“Uproar!” – The first 50 years of The London Group 1913-1963, Ben Uri Museum, London
Last year marked the centenary of the London Group, an artists’ exhibiting society that set out to provide an avant-garde alternative to institutions such as the Royal Academy. Charting its first 50 years, this superb show reveals how the organisation was marked by argument and discord – both internally from the artists themselves, but also externally from the artworld in general.
Until 2 March, www.benuri.org.uk
Facing the Modern: The Portrait in Vienna 1900, National Gallery, London
This exhibition features the work of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Richard Gerstl and Oskar Kokoschka – all produced during a time of great artistic, cultural and social upheaval in Vienna between 1867 and 1918. The portraits often depict anxiety and alienation, reflecting a rise in conservative, nationalistic and anti-Semitic mass movements.
Until 12 January, www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson
