TL;DR

*Accountability .Read me* by Qualeasha Wood

Here are five must-see shows to add to your list this month

tl;dr, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery

This month, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery presents Qualeasha Wood’s first ever European solo show. The textile artist unveils a new body of work that explores race, sexuality, and gender through the lens of Black femininity. Wood’s tapestries weave together her signature craft and digital elements, with several references to surveillance and the internet. In addition, the artist reimagines anti-Black imagery and caricatures through playful tufted pieces, as she examines ideas of girlhood. tl;dr takes us online, serving as a window into the digital.

The show runs until June 4th.

Your Presence Does Not Escape Me, Tiwani Contemporary

Tiwani Contemporary brings together a selection of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by Delita Martin, Charmaine Watkiss, and Tessa Mars. The exhibition shifts between reality and fiction, as the three artists explore spirituality, mythology, and Black womanhood.

Charmaine Watkiss’ latest series of portraits celebrate both beauty and diversity through the language of drawing. Similarly, Delita Martin’s mixed-media portraits examine the duality of Black womanhood. In addition, Tessa Mars’ figurative paintings feature recurring subject matter, as the artist depicts Tessalines, a mythical alter ego inspired by Haitian leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Each artwork sparks a conversation with the next, as the exhibition contemplates the nuances of womanhood and identity.

The show runs until June 3rd.

Furni, Carlos/Ishikawa

In east London, Carlos/Ishikawa presents a new solo exhibition of works by the elusive Issy Wood. The London-based artist held a sold-out performance on the evening of the private view, demonstrating her dynamic practice, “the painting is the sturdiest venture, the music is often hell on earth, and the writing is a gathering together of whatever was left unsaid by the painting and music.” Wood shared with ARTSPACE. Her intimate, near photorealistic paintings and soft sculptures will challenge your perception of femininity and form. Maybe take a quick detour to Carlos/Ishikawa after a cheeky curry in Brick Lane.

The show runs until June 24th.

I 🖤 Campbell, 180 Studios

180 Studios showcases 36 original works by leading fashion photographer, Campbell Addy. I 🖤 Campbell is the first solo exhibition of the artist’s works and a definite must-see. With a distinctive visual language, and a practice that centres unique narratives, Addy has developed a mesmerising body of work. The Central Saint Martins graduate has shot covers for Vogue, DAZED, Time, and has photographed artists including Beyoncé, FKA Twigs, Tyler the Creator, and many more. Tickets to the immersive exhibition are available here.

The show runs until June 4th.

Where Two Rivers Meet, Almine Rech

Tastemaking gallery Almine Rech brings together large-scale geometric paintings by South African artist Esther Malangu. Applying vibrant acrylic paint and bold black line work, Malangu creates abstract compositions that recall the traditional patterns of the Ndebele people. At 87 years old, the artist continues her painting practice, “I love art. It is part of me and I can’t separate it from who I am…but making art is not a job to me, it is a major part of who I am and I will continue to paint as long as I am able.” the artist shared with S Mag.

The show runs until May 20th.