Sam Taylor Wood @ White Cube Masons Yard
A show with two distinct parts, STW's exhibition begins with a series of bleak grey photos taken on the moors in Yorkshire, based on Wuthering Heights. There is a sense of fresh, harshness in the images that by themselves would've been strong, but as a whole don't work as well.
In the lower ground-floor gallery is "Sigh", one of the most incredible pieces of art I have seen this year. It's a large scale, multi screen installation made in collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra. In a typical Taylor-Wood dark, rundown studio the orchestra sit and play a new piece by Academy Award-winning composer Anne Dudley. Only they have no instruments. The musicians bow, blow and bang the empty spaces where they should be. At the front, the conductor leads in a calming, ghostly dance performance of this absent ensemble.
It's incredible.
Rafael Lozano Hemmer @ Haunch of Venison
Lozano Hemmer is EVERYWHERE at the moment. Not content with a solo show at Haunch of Venison, and a site specific piece outside Trafalgar Square, he is also displaying his Frequency and Volume exhibition at the Curve gallery in the Barbican. His work blends interactive, sculptural forms, performance with light and sound. He encourages the viewer to participate within his work through technology.
The show at Haunch of Venison makes use of the fantastic space, on each floor is a different idea and concept. The most successful in my opinion being the top floor, a giant video screen of newsreaders from across the globe and a vitrine filled with water that can pulsate in time with your own pulse.
It is still to be seen whether his work will last, it seems a little "gimmicky" without a great deal of depth. Despite this, it's fun and gets people involved.
London GSK Contemporaries @ RA Burlington Gardens
This grand exhibition sponsored by corporate giants GlaxoSmithKline. Unfortunately costing £5 for students (£4.50 for UAL students, predictably) the exhibition in itself was a bit of a disappointment. One of the exhibits wasn't working, there was too much emphasis on video works and seemed a little lack lustre.
What it did open my eyes to was the work of Julian Rosefeldt. Having heard great things about him, this exhibition gave me the chance to experience 3 of his videos from the Trilogy of Failure; Stunned Man, The Perfectionist and The Soundmaker. All were incredible. He has a solo show on at Max Wigram at the moment too which is definately worth a look if you're in the area.
GSK also has a really interesting evening schedule. When I went it I saw Dynamite Fighter by boyleANDshaw feat Adam James. I will get round to reviewing that later.
