This month, a range of art exhibitions across cities like London, New York, and Marrakech delve into the intricate processes of creation, whether it encompasses images, communities, or identities. The diverse approaches taken by these exhibitions highlight the significance of the creative process itself—how things come into existence and how they evolve over time. From staged interiors to live portraits and long-term collaborations, these showcases provide a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to create in contemporary art. Let's take a closer look at some of these compelling exhibitions.
Highlights of the Month
In London, artist and DJ Christelle Oyiri invites viewers to engage with her exhibition Run It Back, where she treats the human body as a malleable track to be sampled and redefined. This installation blends elements of Black cultural production with the digital world, probing questions of identity and ownership in an age of relentless re-editing. Run It Back is on view from April 29 to June 13, 2026, at Gathering in London, UK.
Also in London, photographer Vinca Petersen presents HULALA, an intimate portrayal of her four-year journey living on the Isle of Skye. This exhibition, opening on May 15 as part of Peckham 24 at Rabbet Gallery, reflects on themes of home, community, and the complex interplay between independence and interconnectedness.
Meanwhile, the collaboration between Arthur Jafa and Richard Prince at Fondazione Prada in Venice showcases the contrasting narratives drawn from cultural debris, with Jafa focusing on the essence of Black life while Prince explores the mythos of white America in their exhibition Helter Skelter, running from May 9 to November 23, 2026.
In New York, late Chinese-American painter Martin Wong exhibits Popeye, featuring a unique body of work that combines the beloved cartoon character with Wong's broader visual language, showcasing from April 18 to May 30, 2026, at P·P·O·W Gallery. Similarly, Devlin Claro explores the nuanced realities of New York City in his exhibition Crushing, which runs from April 30 to June 13, 2026, at Donald Ryan Gallery.
In terms of community engagement, Clémentine Schneidermann and Charlotte James present Ffasiwn, a collaborative project with young people from South Wales, at the National Museum Cardiff starting May 23, 2026. This exhibition reflects on identity through a process of co-authorship and continuity, capturing the essence of growth and shared experiences.
As we traverse these exhibitions, we see a clear thread of exploration surrounding identity, connection, and the creative process itself. The artists challenge us to consider how we perceive art and identity, encouraging us to engage actively with the works on display. As the month unfolds, these exhibitions promise to be a rich tapestry of artistic expression, each contributing uniquely to the discourse of contemporary art.
As reported by dazeddigital.com.
