The Statues from Easter Island | University of Manchester | 1 April - 6 Sep 2015
Manchester Museum has the honour of housing one of the Rapa Nui statues from 1868. The exhibition is inspired by fieldwork on the island by Professor Colin Richards, one of the university’s very own archaeologists. It is intended to take a fresh look at the breath taking statues whilst deconstructing some of the myths of the island and emphasising the significance of the declining state of this spectacular culture. Take advantage of this opportunity as the statue is only on loan temporarily from the British Museum.
Eastern Exchanges | Manchester Art Gallery | Thu 2 April - Sun 31 May
This exhibition highlights how East Asian craft and design is constantly re-inventing itself but always commemorating the traditional values of exquisite craftsmanship and inspirational philosophy. With generous support from The Korea Foundation and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, the Manchester Art Gallery exhibits objects from the gallery that have not been displayed for over thirty years, including: Japanese travelling carriages and Chinese Imperial robes.
Portraits | Whitworth Art Gallery | Until 22 Nov
Portraits are an art form that will never expire. This exhibition strays from the conventional portrait by focusing on the artist. Metaphorically speaking the exhibition is itself a portrait. It wishes to encapsulate The Whitworth’s journey to the present moment from a particular perspective using all the people involved in a piece of art work. This involves the artist, the curator, and of course the people that feature in the pieces. Works featured include Francis Bacon, Adolf Wolfli and Mary Kelly.
Manchester Academy of Fine Arts Spring Exhibition | The Portico | 2 April - 30 April 2015
This spring exhibition intends to highlight the Academy’s magnificent contributions to the ever-changing cultural life of the city. Founded on 14 November 1859, its members have designed the Town Hall, the university and other key monuments across the city. This exhibition aims to celebrate the achievements of past members whilst highlighting the work of the current members to continue to promote art in the city.
The Innovation Race | MOSI | Opens March 28
Tour: Unlocking The Anthony Burgess Foundation | International Anthony Burgess Foundation | Wed 15 April
In the basement of an old engine house on Cambridge Street, one man’s life and achievements have been preserved. The foundation, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, are giving the public a chance to peruse the archive and the many fascinating items it holds. Burgess, more famously known for the novel A Clockwork Orange, was not just an author; he dabbled in journalism, music composition and teaching. The tour is free but places are limited. Ensure to book your place early to prevent missing this insight into the Manchester-born postmodernist writer's existence.
One Needs More Than Paint: Harry Ousey | Salford Museum and Art Gallery | 28 Mar - 5 July
Centenary exhibitions are popular this month with another anniversary of the late Manchester-born Harry Ousey. With his interests being predominantly nature and landscapes, the collection is inspired by places he lived. including Derbyshire, Cornwall and France. During the 50s and 60s he was an active part of Manchester’s art scene even though his abstract paintings were considered ahead of their time. This reflective exhibition intends to celebrate his life and bring his work back into the public conscious.
Greater Game: Football & War | National Football Museum | Until September
This major exhibtion looks at the role played by football at home and on the frontline during the war years, exploring the myths and reality behind some of the conflict's famous footballing tales, including the FA Cup winner killed just days before the end of war to the soldier injured in battle who fought back to be England captain.
Paper #21 Generation Loss | Paper Gallery | 18 April - 30 May
Founded in 2012, Paper is an artist-led gallery in Manchester whose practice is based entirely around the use of paper. The next exhibition will question when history becomes historical, with new paintings by James Moore and Phil Hopkins depicting how we record history. The artists involved in this exhibition believe that without a thorough, painted record of history, the future will reflect the exhibitions title; Generation Loss.
Lowry Favourites | The Lowry | Daily exhibition
The Lowry houses the largest public collection of works by Stretford-born L.S. Lowry. The archive and collection was originally formed by the Salford Museum and Art Gallery until it moved to The Lowry in 2000. The gallery is open daily and holds frequent talks on the exhibition. The main purpose of the exhibition is to archive Manchester’s most renowned artist and is well worth a visit.
