5 to See: This Weekend

This weekend’s key fairs, awards and solo shows celebrate the breadth of human experience, using innovations in photography and design to reflect contemporary life. From local collections to international events, these exhibitions engage with the intricacies of the everyday to hold up a mirror to the present.

Michael Wolf: Life in Cities
, The Hague Museum of Photography

Wolf’s (b. 1954) depictions of globalisation and growth uncovers the complexities of life in the metropolis. By documenting the seemingly infinite facades of residential buildings in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Chicago, the artist draws a striking portrait of contemporary life, navigating the claustrophobic urban landscape to question consumer culture. Until 22 April. Find out more here.

2018 Sony World Photography Awards, Somerset House, London

This show brings together the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards’ winning and shortlisted works. Featuring images by over 600 international artists, the collection offers fresh perspectives on established genres including architecture, portraiture and street photography. Viewed together, the images demonstrate the diversity of contemporary experience. Until 6 May. Find out more here.

Lost Utopias, Front Room Gallery, New York

Jade Doskow’s (b. 1978) series records the remaining architecture from international World Fairs in cities such as New York, Seattle, Montréal and Brussels. The images juxtapose the abandoned structures with suburban locales, creating otherworldly compositions. The forgotten monuments speak of utopian aspirations, making strikingly surreal interventions into the everyday landscape. Until 20 May. Find out more here. 

Altered States, Milan Design Week

As part of Milan Design Week, a collaborative installation between design studios Snarkitecture and Caesarstone explores the kitchen as an icon of the modern home. Investigating the changing conditions of water in relation to the space, the piece offers a theatrical yet deeply meditative experience. Until 22 April. Find out more here.

Hit the North, Manchester Central Library

Celebrating photography from the North of England, this exhibition brings together works across a range of styles. The featured image by Matthew Murray (b. 1968) is an uncanny take on the landscape tradition which uses an unusual colour palette to illustrate a deeply personal vision of his surroundings. Until 30 June. Find out more here. 

Credits:
1. Michael Wolf, Architecture of Density #91, 2006
2. Gianmaria Gava, Buildings 06, 2018. © Gianmaria Gava
3. Jade Doskow, Spokane 1974 World’s Fair, “Celebrating Tomorrow’s Fresh New Environment,” United States Pavilion / Imax Theater, 2007
4. Courtesy COS and Snarkitecture, 
5. Matthew Murray, Chew Piece Plantation, Saddleworth Moor, 2016.