May brings a flurry of new shows to London, with some particularly important openings by female artists. We are eagerly awaiting a major exhibition from Mona Hatoum at Tate Modern before a huge show from Georgia O'Keeffe takes over the same building.
Polly Penrose gives us a lesson in nude selfies with her '10 Seconds', and the opening of Photo London 2016 hopes to fill the city with inspiration aplenty, and some well-needed brain food to wash away those Sunday hangovers.
Tate Modern, 4 May – 21 August 2016
The first major UK exhibition for Beirut-born Mona Hatoum arrives via Tate Modern, ahead of its new development opening in June. Her work could be described as 'opinion art' with personal and satirical views threaded throughout, as well as a sprinkling of humour. Shown here is her self-portrait billboard "Over My Dead Body", where she challenges a toy trooper perched on her nose.
The show comprises large-scale installations, photography, sculpture and collage - and won't disappoint.
Over my dead body,1988-2002 © Mona Hatoum, Courtesy White Cube
Hoxton Gallery, 6 - 8 May 2016
The queen of nude selfies, Polly Penrose presents a short but sweet exhibition at the Hoxton Gallery. Having worked at Tim Walker's studio during her MA, he speaks of her work as "sometimes humorous, sometimes melancholy, always bewitching". The exhibition focuses on her recent work with self-portraiture, for which she entangles the body around everyday, plain set-ups in the 10 second window of a self-timer.
Entry is free.
10 Seconds © Polly Penrose, courtesy Hoxton Gallery
Newport Street Gallery, 18 May - 16 October 2016
The second show to open at Damien Hirst's Newport Street Gallery is a big one. Koons' influence on Hirst is something he doesn't hide from, and this show - the first UK solo show of his work for seven years - is a way of paying homage to this inspiration. Among the works on display are from his noteworthy "Inflatables", "Luxury and Degradation", "Hulk Elvis", and "Popeye", as well as the sexually explicit "Made in Heaven".
Entry is free.
Titi, 2004-2009. © Jeff Koons
Somerset House, 19 - 22 May 2016
Photo London launched with huge success in 2015, establishing itself as one of the major international photo fairs, alongside Paris Photo, Arles and Unseen. Now in its second year, expect displays from both household names and emerging talent for big-time inspiration.
David Bowie & Kate Moss by Ellen von Unwerth, courtesy of Photo London
Massimo Vitali
Ronchini Gallery, 20 May - 18 June 2016
The Italian photographer Massimo Vitali is known for his large-scale landscapes exploring beach and leisure culture around the world. The beautiful scenes are awe-inspiring, reminiscent of that great hobby best enjoyed in summer time: people watching. Spend as long as you like staring at the Where's Wally vistas on display from 20th May.
Entry is free.
Piscinão de Ramos, Brazil 2013, courtesy the artist and Ronchini-Gallery
Foundling Museum, 27 May - 4 September 2016
Rounded up by Foundling fellow Cornelia Parker, artists including the much-loved David Shrigley, Wolfgang Tillmans and Marina Warner contribute to Found.
Set up in 1739 to care for abandoned children, the Foundling Hospital was supported by the leading artists of the day, many of who donated work. The idea behind this exhibition goes back to the small objects left by mothers as a means of identification should they ever return to the Foundling Hospital to claim their child.
Entry is free.
Untitled Found, 2016 © Rachel WhitereadLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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