Sian Macfarlane, New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall
Exploring Walsall’s social history, this show by Sian Macfarlane takes the form of a multilayered film. Fairs, carnivals and pageants, theatres and cinemas, the travelling bio-scopes of Pat Collins and the famed Walsall illuminations. The results are spellbinding.
Until 26 July 2015, www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk
William Hogarth, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol
In addition to Hogarth’s well-known satirical prints from the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery permanent collection, this show also features a raft of oil paintings specially loaned by the Tate. There is much to see, with the exhibition reiterating the artist’s key role in the development of portraiture and satire.
Until 31 August 2015, www.
David Hockney, Annely Juda, London
This colourful exhibition from one of England’s most famous living painters is rooted in traditional portraiture. A series of group portraits explore Hockney’s interest in perspective, with his images of card players painted at his Los Angeles studio over the last two years particularly intriguing.
Until 27 June 2015, www.annelyjudafineart.co.uk
Craig Fisher and Debra Swann, Nottingham Contemporary, Nottingham
This ongoing artist-led project by Craig Fisher involves working with contemporary artists to present their work in unconventional settings. For the latest instalment, Debra Swann’s sculptural artifacts are displayed in the three cabinets of Nottingham Contemporary’s Small Collections Room. Small in scale – big on impact.
Until 31 May 2015, www.nottinghamcontemporary.org
Jenny Drinkwater, Bankley Gallery, Manchester
Influenced by Abstract Expressionism, Drinkwater’s paintings explore landscape through gestural mark making. It’s a tried and tested formula, but the Castlefield Gallery associate artist imbues her work with enough depth, colour and drama to stand out from the crowd.
Until 30 May 2015, www.jennydrinkwater.co.uk
Selections chosen by Jack Hutchinson
