From New York to Zürich, Paris to London, art and photography exhibitions open during December and January offer vital social commentary; questioning media representations and subverting the everyday.
Matthias Bruggmann: An Act of Unspeakable Violence, Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne
Winner of the second edition of the Prix Elysée, Bruggmann’s project on Syria takes a critical look at the representation of war. The works offer, as the artist notes: “a visceral comprehension of the intangible violence that underlies conflict.” Until 18 January.
Vivian Maier: The Colour Work, Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York
Maier’s expansive oeuvre demonstrates a drive to represent the reality of experience, recording the street life of New York and Chicago from 1950-1980. Spontaneous moments are captured in bold colour. Until 5 January.
Water Mirror, Christophe Guye Galerie, Zürich
Exploring ideas of perception, Risaku Suzuki’s photography takes water as its subject. Lush greens are reflected in its surface – offering mesmerising compositions that ask questions about the nature of photography. Until 19 January.
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2018, National Portrait Gallery, London
Showcasing works by the finalists of the prestigious prize, this show looks to work by emerging and established photographers – from formal portraiture to spontaneous and intimate moments. Until 27 January.
Elmgreen & Dragset, Perrotin, Paris
Engaging with the ways in which individuals interact with public space and everyday designs, this exhibition offers current social commentary through sculptures and installations. Objects are taken out of context, creating surreal playgrounds. Until 22 December.
Wake up Together at Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool
Two simultaneous shows champion the rights of individuals around the world – one is the first UK showing of experimental work by the late Chinese photographer Ren Hang, whilst Where Love Is Illegal shares personal stories. Until 17 February.
Meiro Koizumi: Battlelands, White Rainbow, London
Engaging with the political history of Japan and its impact on contemporary culture, Meiro Koizumi’s film, photography and sculpture looks to national and familial power dynamics whilst exploring media representations of conflict. Until 12 January.
STHLM Forever, Fotografiska, Stockholm
Fotografiska’s new show celebrates Stockholm – highlighting its architecture and inhabitants across 100 years of photographic history. A mix of styles provides diverse perspectives on the city, using it as a backdrop for intriguing stories. Until 17 February.
reality is somehow what we expect it to be, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham
This is the UK’s most comprehensive collection of work by Haroon Mirza to date. Testing the limits of human perception, audiences are invited to consider the emotional resonance associated with art. Until 24 February.
Janet Delaney, Public Matters, 1982-1988, Euqinom Gallery, San Francisco
Taken in the mid-1980s, these images document the spirit of protest and parade in Reagan-era San Francisco. A celebration of multiculturalism and collective voices, the show captures the feeling of an era through powerful visuals. Until 22 December.
Credits:
1. Photography by Ren Hang.
2. Marmarita, Reef Homs, 11 septembre 2013 © Matthias Bruggmann / Contact Press Images. Courtesy Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne et Galerie Polaris, Paris.
3. Untitled, Vivian Maier, 1956. © VIVIAN MAIER/MALOOF COLLECTION, COURTESY OF HOWARD GREENBERG GALLERY, NEW YORK
4. Risaku Suzuki, Water Mirror 17, WM-758 , 2017.
5. Shantelle from the series Burgess Park by Max Miechowski 2018 © Max Miechowski
6. Powerless Structures, Fig. 11, 1997. MDF, slide-proof rubber, aluminum, glass. Courtesy Galleri Nicolai Wallner. Photo By Bent Ryberg
7. Untitled, Ren Hang, 2016. Courtesy of Stieglitz19, Belgium
8. Meiro Koizumi, Battlelands.
9. Image from STHLM Forever, Fotografiska, Stockholm.
10. Haroon Mirza, A Chamber for Horowitz (detail), 2015. Installation view at Museum Tinguely, Basel, courtesy hrm199 and Museum Tinguely. Photography by Bettina Matthiessen.
11. JANET DELANEY, Muni Bus, Mission Street, 1984 from Public Matters.
