DANCE OF THE BUTTERFLIES | Manchester Museum | 14 February - December
Romuald Hazoumè’s kaleidoscopic butterfly swarm may simply look like a pretty installation, which flits between the museum’s own collections whimsically. Yet the insects, made from wax-print fabrics worn in the artist’s native Benin, reflect a far more serious ‘butterfly effect:’ how little impulses metamorphose into far greater vibrations within Africa’s chaotic political systems.
The University Of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL (10am-5pm; free).
HOUSE PROUD | Manchester Art Gallery | 2 April - 1 April
Manchester’s renown as an industrial trendsetter didn’t just comprise the likes of factories. As House Proud demonstrates through its pioneering collection of homeware, it permeated culture and aesthetics. With a melting pot of Neo-Romanticism, Abstraction, Surrealism, Op and Pop Art, the collection encapsulates a period in flux.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M2 3JL (10am-5pm; free).
House ProudARE WE THERE YET? | MMU Special Collections Gallery | 17 August - 6 November
Whilst this may sound like a cheesy movie about a farcical family holiday, the content is actually far meatier; spanning 150 years of progress towards equality. From Peterloo to the Pankhursts to Pride, Manchester has long been instrumental in bringing about change. But is it enough?
Sir Kenneth Green Library, All Saints, M15 6BH (Mon to Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 12-4pm; free)
NOISY BODIES | John Rylands | 1 October - 20 December
Daksha Patel uses pencil for her breathtakingly intricate designs, inspired by residencies in the neuroscience and lung imaging departments at The University of Manchester. The series, in conjunction with illustrations from the library’s Special Collections, is inspired by scientific innovation and responds to concepts of noise and signal in medical imaging.
John Rylands, 150 Deansgate, M3 3EH (Tues to Sat 10am-5pm, Sun to Mon 12-5pm; free).
Noisy BodiesART_TEXTILES |The Whitworth| 10 October - 31 January
This exhibition explores the power of textiles as a tool for social, political and creative expression. Traditionally situated on the borderland between art and craft, a post-1960s movement has seen growing artistic engagement with textiles; as demonstrated here through high-profile names like Magdalena Abakanowicz and Tracey Emin.
The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M15 6ER (Sun to Wed 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-9pm; free).
RAUL LOYA: SELF EXILE | Cervantes Institute | 15 October – 15 December
There’s more to the Cervantes Institute than Spanish lessons, as a diverse cultural programme demonstrates. Mexican-turned-Mancunian Raul Loya exhibits fifteen haunting depictions of the human condition in this special exhibition, described as ‘a burst of colour and significance’.
326/330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, M3 4FN (10am-6pm; free).
Self ExilePUPPET MASTERS: CELEBRATING ANIMATION | Sale Waterside Arts Centre |24 October - 27 February
Stopmotion animation is brought to life with acclaimed puppeteers Mackinnon and Saunders; creators of puppets for Corpse Bride, Mars Attacks!, Clangers and Bob the Builder. With exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses at some of our screen favourites, from drawing board to animation, this promises to be a fascinating exhibition for all ages.
Sale Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF (10am-5pm; free).
SEMIOTIC GUERRILLA WARFARE | PAPER | 31 October - 12 December
Don’t let the obscure name put you off. This unusual display, the first in a three-part series marking the collaboration between CHARLIE SMITH LONDON and Manchester’s PAPER, attempts to de-value the art object through mainstream everyday objects and features superb talent like gallery owner David Hancock.
Paper Gallery, Unit 12, Mirabel Studios, 14-20 Mirabel Street, M3 1PJ (Sat 11am-5pm; free).
David Hancock's 'Antimony'SAFE | HOME | 14 November - 3 January
Are you allergic to the 21st century? Safe is named after Todd Haynes’ understated 1995 film, which sees an affluent Californian housewife become allergic to her carefully-controlled personal environment, despite seeming to have to it all. It’s a telling indictment and forms the basis for a series of illuminating commissions in moving image, sculpture, print, writing and performance.
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN (Tues to Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-6pm; free).
A TASTE OF HONEY | ARTZU Gallery | 20 November - 5 December
ARTZU’s solo exhibition sees Chris Acheson celebrate Shelagh Delaney’s 1961 groundbreaking film, which catapulted Rita Tushingham into BAFTA award-winning stardom and paved the way for future ‘kitchen sink’ dramas like Corrie. Even the Beatles produced a namesake track. Collectible artist Acheson combines the era’s harsh post-war commentary with modern influences, making for a unique technicolour odyssey.
ARTZU, Old Granada Studios, Quay Street, M3 4PR (Tues to Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm; free).
Chris Acheson's 'The Flit'
