Aesthetica collates must-see UK exhibitions for February and March 2019. The selection includes major retrospectives of renowned artists, photographers and architects, considering fundamental human questions and exploring life online.
Picture credit: 漏 Martin Parr / Magnum Photos / Rocket Gallery.
NPG鈥檚 show focuses on one of the celebrated photographer鈥檚 most engaging subjects 鈥 people. New work made immediately before and after the 2016 Brexit referendum raises questions around national identity, contributing to dialogues around what it means to be British. From 7 March.
Courtesy of the artist.
The retrospective of one of Britain鈥檚 best-known war photographers 鈥 who has reported from places including Vietnam, Northern Ireland and the Syrian conflict 鈥 comprises scenes of working-class life in London and the industrial north of England, as well as landscapes from his Somerset home. Until 6 May.
Designer Wales Bonner uses fashion to explore ideas of identity and self-expression. Bringing together literary, musical and visual references, Serpentine鈥檚 show articulates cultural narratives 鈥 themes of mysticism and ritual are unpacked in an immersive experience. Until 16 February.
Photograph: Alan Karchmer
Adjaye is an architect whose buildings reflect on history and memory, using powerful forms to record human experience. Design Museum鈥檚 exhibition unpacks seven landmark structures, demonstrating how architecture is an effective storytelling tool and device for remembrance. Until 5 May.
Video/sound installation. Performer: John Hay. Courtesy Bill Viola Studio. Photo: Kira Perov.
Bringing together works by pioneering video artist Bill Viola and Renaissance master Michelangelo, this innovative Royal Academy show considers fundamental human questions, asking viewers to consider the thresholds between birth, life and death. Until 31 March.
Responding to life in a globalised and interconnected world, English as a Second Language explores the feeling of being 鈥渓ost in translation鈥 in a foreign city. The works visually articulate the experience of navigating multiple languages and spaces whilst repositioning fashion photography as an agent for change.
Until 28 April.
Inviting viewers into forests and woodlands, Helen Sear鈥檚 video, photography and sound works consider the relationship between human, animal and natural environments. The exhibition is immersive and reflective, exploring how we experience the landscape. Until 16 March.
Photograph: 漏 The Estate of Diane Arbus, LLC.
Looking to the first seven years of Arbus鈥 career, from 1956-1962, In The Beginning presents nearly 100 intimate, surprising and haunting images of life in New York City. Powerful portraits of diverse communities take centre stage, drawing a comprehensive picture of the humane experience.
From 13 February.
Photography collective Document Scotland explores the country鈥檚 changing social, economic and ecological landscape. Reflecting upon current issues such as population expansion, Brexit, climate change and equality, they acknowledge the past and its complex resonance with an unpredictable present. Until 16 March.
How can art make sense of the digital age? Investigating the new possibilities offered by technology, BALTIC immerses viewers in digital avatars, games and virtual worlds, looking at digital environments in relation to ideas of citizenship, community and political activism. Until 16 June.
Lead image: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Photograph: Alan Karchmer.
