This summer鈥檚 must-see solo exhibitions, group shows and biennales demonstrate the UK鈥檚 dynamic artistic landscape. Foregrounding both new and established practitioners across photography, design, architecture and sculpture, this season鈥檚 key presentations are bursting with creativity.
1.
Exploring the universal yet complex landscape of Emotional States, this year鈥檚 edition comprises responsive installations and projects. The contributions address social needs whilst asking wider questions about the future of design.
From 4-23 September.
2.
Inspired by the domestic architecture of Mexico whilst referencing British materials and history, architect Frida Escobedo鈥檚 (b. 1979) design combines light, water and geometry to create a secluded yet dynamic courtyard.
Until 7 October.
3.
Curated by Grayson Perry, this year鈥檚 Summer Exhibition promises to be the boldest and most colourful to date. Of the 1300 artworks, featured artists include Anish Kapoor, Wolfgang Tillmans, Bruce Nauman and Tracey Emin.
Until 19 August.
4.
Foregrounding contemporary artists and designers inspired by Islamic tradition, 2018鈥檚 shortlist comprises disciplines as diverse as fashion, multi-media installation, architecture and painting.
From 28 June.
5.
Encompassing 40 photographs, Silver Lake Drive marks Prager鈥檚 (b. 1979) first mid-career survey. The pieces in the show walk the line between a hyperreal and dreamlike aesthetic, bringing out the melodrama of subject鈥檚 inner lives.
Until 14 October.
6.
Asking the question: Beautiful world, where are you?, Liverpool Biennial 2018 surveys the current social, political and environmental landscape through work by over 40 artists, considering how societies can use history to move forward.
From 14 July.
7.
鈥淭he tree is a spectacular creation because each part of the tree is necessary to its life. It is the perfect sculpture.鈥 Penone鈥檚 (b. 1947) sculptures use this visual motif to investigate humanity鈥檚 relationship with the environment.
Until 28 April.
8.
Transforming the space into a mesmerising, uncanny landscape, this show brings together over 100 works from 1980-2018. Drawing on science fiction, architecture and personal experience, it constructs ideal and fictional worlds.
Until 19 August.
9.
The pull towards urban living continues to increase as global populations develop. Reflecting this fact, The London Open 2018 selects 22 global artists who live across and are inspired by the city.
Until 26 August.
10.
Known for an innovative approach to fashion and fine art practice, Dutch artist and photographer Sassen (b. 1972) creates fragmented compositions and hyperreal landscapes by drawing on Surrealist tropes.
From 22 June.
Credits:
1a.聽Alex Prager, Irene, 2010. C-print, 121.9cm x 176.5cm (print), 124.5cm x 181cm (framed). Courtesy Alex Prager Studio and Lehmann Maupin, New York and Hong Kong.
1b.聽India, London Design Biennale 2018. Image credit: Ed Reeve
2.聽聽Serpentine Pavilion 2018, Designed by Frida Escobedo, Serpentine Gallery, London. Image聽漏 designboom
3.聽Anish Kapoor,听厂惫补测补尘产丑.听Royal Academy of Arts.
4.聽Marina Tabassum, Prayer Hall, Bait ur Rouf Mosque Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2012. Photo: Sandro di Carlo Darsa 漏 MTA/Sandro di Carlo Darsa
5.听The Big Valley: Susie and Friends, 2008. Alex Prager Studio/Lehmann Maupin Gallery.
6.聽Melanie Smith, Maria Elena (film still), 2018. Photo: Julien Devaux
7.聽Giuseppe Penone, Abete, 2013.
8.听Courtesy Hayward Gallery.
9.聽Rachel Ara, This Much I鈥檓 Worth (2016).
10.聽漏Viviane Sassen, Yellow Vlei, series Umbra 2014. Courtesy of Stevenson Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa.
