As last month was packed full of international festivals and two Design Weeks, this July we’ve gone for a more laid back schedule. The emphasis is on inspiring local events that will put you in a summer state of mind. Check it out below.
Exhibition: Michael Jackson: On the Wall
London’s National Portrait Gallery chose the influential (and controversial) singer to be the subject of its next large scale show. It will examine how his legacy resonates in the works of visual artists, such as those of Andy Warhol, Isa Genzken, David Hammons, Glenn Ligon, and more.
When and where: July to October, National Portrait Gallery, London
Festival: Animation Block Party 2018
ABP is one of the best places to spend the last days of July. Celebrating its 15th edition, the event is deemed to be the largest and coolest animation festival on the East Coast.
When and where: July 26-29, Rooftop Films, Brooklyn, NY
Event: Frieze Sculpture 2018
Resonating last year’s success, this open event invites visitors to stroll around the English gardens – designed by Markham Nesfield in 1866 – while enjoying the works of 25 international artists. Up and coming creators like sculptor and engineer James Capper, Cape Town-born artist Haroon Gunn-Salie, and sculptor and installation artist Michele Mathison, will be on show next to veteran designers Dan Graham,Richard Woods and more. It’s definitely a sight to be seen.
When and where: July 4 – October 7, Regent’s Park, London, UK
The best thing about events like FRONT is the way in which they can transform a city: the Triennial will take place in numerous venues around Cleveland and will explore complexities of contemporary American life. Other than in local museums, exhibitions will be held in civic institutions, and alternative spaces across Cleveland, Akron and Oberlin. Participating artists are Yayoi Kusama, Kerry James Marshall and many, many more will be on view.
When and where: July 14 – September 30, Cleveland, USA
Book: Lorna Simpson Collages
In the introduction of the book, Elizabeth Alexander writes that “black women’s heads of hair are galaxies unto themselves, solar systems, moonscapes, volcanic interiors,” laying the foundations for what will be a journey meticulously designed by artist Lorna Simpson. Using advertising photographs of black women and men taken from magazines like Ebony and Jet, Simpson creates layers of meaning that transform the book into a work of art on its own account.
Lorna Simpson Collages by Lorna Simpson, 192 p. (Hardcover) Chronicle Books
