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The start of the year can feel sluggish or chaotic for many, but thankfully we have visual arts to keep us grounded. The world of exhibitions never quite stops so even at this slower time, we have lots of new shows to look forward to.
While there’s no leading motif for this month’s new openings, Kathryn Maple’s show at The Walker and the Hepworth Wakefield’s Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land share a fascination with that most universal of subjects – landscape. Maple focuses on extreme weather phenomena with the use of distinctive mark-making, while the sculpture display examines how the land influenced the two- and three-dimensional output of some of the most famous British sculptors.
Moving on, we have Williamson Gallery’s display of work by textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood and his hyper-focused research on lace. His work is varied, unexpected and will certainly change the viewers’ perception of the seemingly delicate material.
In Leeds, we have The Tetley’s new poetic offering with Samra Mayanya’s in-depth exploration of ‘lostness’, based on a 1902 text from a secretary-scribe Ham Mukasa from Buganda (present-day Uganda). Back in Manchester, El Morgan weaves her personal experience with her signature playfulness to create Tale of the Frozen Bits, a show all about the history of fertility drugs and the surrounding medical structures.
You can still catch First Breath, an installation of vertical beams of light that visualises the moment that a child takes their first gasp of air, located at the site of Factory International.
Here are our picks
Under a Hot Sun at Walker Art Gallery, City Centre, 11 February–30 April 2023, free entry - Find Out More
Visit John Moores Painting Prize winner Kathryn Maple’s beautiful exhibition of new works centred on the theme of environmental changes.
Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 31 January 2024, £10, with concessions - Book now
See the landscapes of Yorkshire and Cornwall through the eyes of some of the greatest sculptors of all time in this captivating new exhibition.
Michael Brennand-Wood: The Encirclement of Space at Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead, Until 18 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Brennand-Wood’s work is ambitious, experimental and often large-scale. None of these are usually associated with lace yet the artist’s work is inspired by in-depth research on exactly this material and a fearless desire to push his mediums as far as possible.
Samra Mayanja: The Living and the Stale at The Tetley, 10 February–4 June 2023, free entry - Find Out More
As an artist in love with words, Samra Mayanja explores the potential of poetry in her brand new exhibition at The Tetley.
Tale of the Frozen Bits at Castlefield Gallery, Castlefield, 12 February–12 March 2023, free entry - Find Out More
Diving head-first into an exploration of fertility, medical structures and treatments, Castlefield Gallery presents the first major solo exhibition of work by El Morgan.
Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential at The Portico Library, Chinatown, Until 13 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the Portico Library as it’s about to embark on an exciting new chapter in its journey, and learn more about its plans for the future and the inspirations behind the original building.
Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife at The Whitaker, Until 19 February 2023, free entry - Visit now
Liam Spencer has spent a lot of time with the River Irwell and the results of this relationship can be seen in the Whitaker’s new exhibition, one that is visually beautiful and carries a hopeful message about the natural world.
Sahej Rahal: Mythmachine at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle, Until 3 September 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit Sahej Rahal’s immersive world that exists between the real and digital realms, where you can affect the exhibits on display.
Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Weston Gallery is illuminated by vivid colour, confident pattern and the energy with which the Lakwena Maciver takes inspiration from the local landscape.
Hannah Starkey at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 1 May 2023, from £1.00 - Book now
Starkey’s powerful compositions take centre stage in this thorough survey of the photographer’s oeuvre, from the moment of her graduation 20 years ago where she was first noticed, until now as she continues to produce images that focus on women.
Turner Prize 2022 at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
One of the most important art events of the year has landed right on our doorstep this year, so visit Tate Liverpool for the unmissable exhibition filled with thought-provoking work.
Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 23 April 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the major retrospective of work by Althea McNish, the first Caribbean designer of international fame, bursting with bold, vibrant designs across textiles, wallpaper and painting.
JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 4 June 2023, from £5.00 - Book now
An immersive soundscape enveloping Turner’s masterpieces is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so don’t miss it!
Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 30 September 2023, free entry - Visit now
Daniel Arsham’s “future relics” look perfectly at home in YSP’s green grounds, the artist’s first museum display in the UK.
Dandy Style at Manchester Art Gallery, Chinatown, Until 1 May 2023, free entry - Visit now
Manchester Art Gallery unveils its brand new, dedicated Fashion Gallery with a show exploring men’s style through the ages.
Jadé Fadojutimi at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, from £10 - Book now
The Hepworth Wakefield’s year of incredible exhibitions continues with a solo show of Jadé Fadojutimi’s breathtaking canvases that oscillate between abstract and figurative.
Rachel Goodyear: Stirrings at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, Until 26 February 2023, free entry - Visit now
Admire Rachel Goodyear’s skilful drawings peppered with symbolism and mythological references at her ‘homecoming’ home this summer, on display at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
Bury Art Shop, Bury Art Museum, Moss Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0DR - Visit now
The perfect place to find gifts, stationery, cards, children’s books and, most importantly, museum souvenirs if you want to take home a little reminder of your visit and the gallery’s wonderful collections.
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