5 to See: This Weekend

5 to See: This Weekend

Must-see exhibitions for the start of August look back to reflect upon the present. Visual activism, portraiture and intriguing cityscapes document a world in a state of flux.

Evelyn Hofer, Car Park, New York, 1964. © 2018 Estate of Evelyn Hofer

Evelyn Hofer: Encounters with the Camera, Museum of Modern Art Passau Wörlen

Encounters with the Camera celebrates Hofer’s (1922-2009) varied career. Vivid images of New York, Washington and Dubin are displayed alongside artist portraits and still lifes – paying tribute to 17th century Spanish painting. Until 27 October.

Harry Shunk, János Kender, Dan Graham–Pier 18, 1971. © 2019 Dan Graham. Photograph: Shunk-Kender © J. Paul Getty Trust. The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles

Shunk-Kender: Art in the Eye of the Camera, Centre Pompidou, Paris

The mid-20th century was a time of transformation and innovation. Photographers Harry Shunk (1924-2006) and János Kender (1937-2009) captured a mood of creativity and social liberation, documenting the art world from the 1950s onwards. Until 5 August.

Thomas Demand, Gangway, 2001.

PHOTO, Parkett Space Zurich

Publishing house Parkett looks back over 30 years of collaboration with leading 20th century artists. This expansive exhibition features iconic works from Andreas Gursky, Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin, Thomas Demand, Hiroshi Sugimoto and many more. Until 28 September.

Zanele Muholi, Bona, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2015 © the artist and courtesy Stevenson Gallery, Cape Town/Johannesburg, and Yancey Richardson Gallery, New York

Zanele Muholi: Somnyama Ngonyama, Seattle Art Museum

Visual activist Muholi’s (b. 1972) portraits pose critical questions about social injustice, human rights and the representation of black LGBTQI communities. Found objects become culturally loaded props – referencing notions of domesticity, capitalism and the climate crisis. Until 3 November.

Boyd & Evans, Ocotillo Wells Airfield CA, 2016.

The Aerodrome, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham

Dedicated to the memory of curator Michael Stanley, this show navigates modern dystopias, manmade landscapes and the psychological effects of technological developments. Highlights include Nathan Coley, Jeremy Deller and John Gerrard. Until 8 September.

Lead image: Modern Babylon, 1964, New York © 2018 Estate of Evelyn Hofer