What's On - Art & Exhibitions
March
The Bowes Museum is the exclusive UK home for this exhibition by one of Britain’s most acclaimed artists as he explores what’s involved in cosmetic surgery – and explores the psychology behind the search for perfection.
Inspired by her fascination with planetary harmonics, Serena Korda combines performance, sound and sculpture with her series of large ceramic portals that act as sound resonators during a performance by North East based acapella group Mouthful.
As befits a museum of archaeology, this exhibition celebrates the wonderful things that have been uncovered beneath the soil by the general public. The exhibition marks the 20th anniversary of the Portable Antiques Scheme, which records findings by everyday excavators.
An exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the death of David Bomberg, recognised as one of the 20th century’s leading artists. This will be the first full exhibition of his work for more than a decade, with over 60 works on show.
Landscape painter John Brenton will be the headline artist at the gallery’s Spring Exhibition, while the work of June Berry – whose work is included in collections of the Queen and the Victoria & Albert Museum – will also be on display.
The Hatton Gallery are offering the rare chance to see all of famed German artist Kurt Schwitter’s ‘Merz’ collages in one place, featuring collections from the Tate, British Museum, the V&A and private collections.
A carpenters’ son from Seaton Sluice who built a ship in Blyth went on to be the first man to make a recorded sighting of Antarctica. Sound outlandish? It’s all true, and happened 200 years ago. The seagoer’s name was William Smith, and his achievement is celebrated in this exhibition.
This unique exhibition will be a trip down memory lane for some and an insight into the past for others, featuring a variety of toys, games and some rather unusual pastimes from across the years.
April
Last year MIMA marked its tenth anniversary with the first-ever permanent gallery for the Middlesbrough Collection. Returning this year, the collection has developed its focus to showcase art that particularly addresses issues of global concern relevant to the local community.
Inspired by her fascination with planetary harmonics, Serena Korda combines performance, sound and sculpture with her series of large ceramic portals that act as sound resonators during a performance by North East based acapella group Mouthful.
After 18 months creating a brand new space for art and artists in Sunderland, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art has reopened with a major new commission. Photographer and installation artist Fiona Crisp explores how we might encounter spaces where the frontiers of our knowledge are being expanded.
A carpenters’ son from Seaton Sluice who built a ship in Blyth went on to be the first man to make a recorded sighting of Antarctica. Sound outlandish? It’s all true, and happened 200 years ago. The seagoer’s name was William Smith, and his achievement is celebrated in this exhibition.
Jack Whitwell is one of the few traditional copper plate photogravure artists practicing in the UK, having developed the technique while at Newcastle University. In his latest exhibition, he uniquely reimagines the atmospheric beauty of the North East coastline.
The Hartlepool-born artist returns to the WORKPLACE for the eighth time. Recent Paintings characteristically displays her transposition of the forgotten snap-shots of strangers into the ambiguous and uncanny territory between abstraction and figuration.
Self-taught stained glass maker Jenny Hammond makes her gallery debut – showcasing intricate, hand-blown designs that are finished using a kiln-firing technique. Her recycling of river-washed glass lends a worn mystery to her collection which is quite unique.
May
Durham-based artist Linda Vine’s work captures on canvas the landscapes and seascapes inspired by her travels. The bright, light and elegant works she produces are the end result of decades of experience, including working within the carpet and greeting card industries.
June
Painting, printmaking, photography, dance, pottery and film – oh, and some street food to boot – are all part of the Alnmouth Arts Festival, which showcases many talented artists dotted in some unusual places around the picturesque Northumberland coastline. The 2018 edition of the festival promises to be bigger than ever, and we can’t wait.