August’s Must-See Art Exhibitions: Unmissable Shows from Around the World

Jason Oddy, Magnolia Prophylactorium II, Odessa, Ukraine, 1999

August's Must-See Art Exhibitions: Unmissable Shows from Around the World

I

n this curated collection, we bring your attention to five exceptional art exhibitions being held in various cities across the globe. These captivating showcases are hosted by intimate yet impactful small and mid-size galleries, offering a unique glimpse into the diverse and vibrant art scenes flourishing around the world this August.

“Entanglement”

MASA Galeria, Mexico City

July 3–Sept. 3

MASA Galeria, nestled in the heart of Mexico City, presents a harmonious fusion of art and design within the creative interstices. In its latest collective exhibition, titled “Intertwined Connections,” a diverse array of artworks converges, each with its unique functionality, yet bound together by an exploration of the intricate dynamics of time and memory. These artistic expressions often find their embodiment through poignant references to the human form.

The gallery space hosts a captivating assortment of pieces, including Panorammma’s alluring metallic chair—an emblem of artist Maika Palazuelos’ design ingenuity. Another striking feature is a suspended lamp reminiscent of bone fragments, meticulously crafted by the artistic duo MARROW, comprised of Rafael Prieto and Loup Sarion. Within this captivating showcase, Loup Sarion, a French-born artist currently based in New York, unveils not only collaborative creations but also a solo work—a whimsical sculpture of an aluminum nose, its surface tantalizingly lustrous. The exhibit also spotlights the paintings of Dante Medina, an artist who employs a monochromatic red palette to evoke an emotionally charged exploration of themes like sexual repression and revelation.

Marking a significant milestone, MASA Galeria is enjoying a remarkable year, having recently established its inaugural permanent space after five years of nomadic ventures. While the gallery takes a brief respite until August 20th, the enchanting “Intertwined Connections” exhibition will continue to captivate audiences when it reopens its doors, extending its artistic embrace until September 2nd.

—Olivia Horn

“ear to the ceiling, eye to the sky”

Daniel Faria Gallery, Toronto

July 29–Aug. 26

“Echoes of the Infinite: Abstract Visions from Rising Contemporary Artists”

Step into the captivating realm of “ear to the ceiling, eye to the sky,” where four emerging contemporary artists—Shannon Bool, Marlon Kroll, Élise Lafontaine, and Kristine Moran—unveil a symphony of abstract creations that beckon towards the transcendent. This exhibition draws its inspiration from the enduring threads that artists have woven into spiritual philosophies across time. A tapestry linking visionaries such as Rudolf Steiner, Hilma af Klint, and Wassily Kandinsky, whose spirits resonate through the ethereal corridors of this show.

At the heart of this quartet’s display lies a vibrant array of abstract pieces, each a unique vessel channeling the essence of these age-old traditions. A celestial muse guided Lafontaine’s hand as she conjured otherworldly landscapes upon her canvases, mirroring her profound encounter with Steiner’s Goetheanum—an architectural testament to anthroposophical thought. Bool’s silk paintings become architectural symphonies in their own right, their digital brushstrokes and intricate grids seamlessly transforming structures into entrancing reveries.

Collectively, these artists embark on an exploration that delves beyond the surface, beyond artistry and spirituality, to the very core of emotions evoked by these intricate bonds. The exhibition’s title resonates as a poignant yearning for realms that transcend the constraints of our reality—a sentiment that echoes throughout the myriad pieces on display, inviting viewers to embrace a touch of escapism woven into every brushstroke.

—Casey Lesser

“Back in the U.S.S.R. with Jason Oddy”

Elliott Gallery, Amsterdam

Aug. 2–Sept. 30

Embark on a visual odyssey into the enigmatic realm of Soviet sanatoriums through the lens of British artist Jason Oddy, showcased exclusively at Amsterdam’s Elliot Gallery. In a mesmerizing solo exhibition, Oddy unravels the captivating narrative of his 1999 journey through the landscapes of Odessa and Yalta, Ukraine—a voyage that unveiled over 2,500 sanatoria, the Soviet Union’s parallel to modern-day wellness retreats.

Within these frames, Oddy’s photographs etch a poignant tableau of decaying architecture, abandoned swimming pools, and eerie interiors—a haunting tableau that blurs the line between the distant and the familiar, offering a chilling glimpse into a bygone era that lingers as a ghostly reminder.

As Ukraine resurfaces in global headlines, its historical context taking center stage, these evocative images, two decades in the making, resound with newfound significance. The echoes of the old Soviet order, it seems, have not entirely faded into the annals of history, making Oddy’s compositions a thought-provoking commentary on the cyclical nature of time.

—Arun Kakar

“Sola Olulode: Burning, like the star that showed us to our love”

Ed Cross Fine Art, London

Aug. 10–Sept. 16

The phrase “Black joy” resonates as a powerful testament to the profound act of Black individuals claiming space, time, and solace within a society where the shadows of racism still linger. This sentiment beautifully encapsulates the essence of Sola Olulode’s artistic journey. Hailing from the intersection of British and Nigerian cultures, Olulode masterfully crafts vibrant, gestural portraits that illuminate the embrace of women and nonbinary individuals—an ode to their unapologetic existence, steeped in her Yoruba heritage and reminiscent of the intricate beauty of Adire textiles.

In an exciting revelation, Olulode’s latest exhibition at London’s Ed Cross Fine Art unfurls a breathtaking new chapter. With a radiant palette of yellows, she paints a series that captures the very essence of queer love within her community. These evocative works become an embodiment of emotion; in pieces like “In The Bubble Of Your Love” (2023), the canvas seems to come alive with the embrace of a couple lost in a dance of affection, their shared joy practically palpable.

Within these strokes of brilliance, intimate gestures and the blissful surrender of closed eyes weave a tapestry of positivity—an authentic portrayal of the profound strength and tranquility found within Black queer relationships. Olulode’s art becomes a luminous beacon, shining a light on the rich tapestry of emotions that color lives often overlooked.

—Josie Thaddeus-Johns

“Where Land Meets Sea”

Stroll Garden, East Hampton, New York

Aug. 12–Sept. 4

This summer, the renowned Stroll Garden gallery from Los Angeles brings its innovative focus on sculpture, design, and the captivating realm of ceramics to the serene landscapes of East Hampton. Introducing a captivating pop-up group exhibition, “Where Land Meets Sea,” this showcase unveils a collaborative tapestry of artistic narratives, featuring the exceptional creations of six accomplished Korean artists. Expertly curated by the visionary ceramicist Jane Yang-D’Haene, this exhibition marks a significant extension of Stroll Garden’s artistic pursuits.

At the heart of this curated ensemble lies Yang-D’Haene’s own artistic journey—a testament to her reverence for the traditional Korean moon jars, ingeniously reimagined into fresh and experimental ceramic vessels. As the exhibition’s focal point, “Where Land Meets Sea” harmoniously brings together the imaginative expressions of Yoonjee Kwak, Jaiik Lee, Re Jin Lee, Eun-Ha Paek, Jinsik Yoo, and the captivating photographic perspectives of Peter Ash Lee. Within their creations, echoes of Korean heritage resonate vibrantly. These artists, like storytellers, transfer ancestral memories and cultural echoes through their very fingertips, adeptly reframing the essence of traditional Korean arts within the contemporary tapestry.

The backdrop for this artistic dialogue is nothing short of inspiring—the former abode of Abstract Expressionist maestro Adolf Gottlieb. As visitors explore this unique intersection of art and heritage, they are enveloped not only by conceptual and material rigor but also by an ambiance that adds another layer of depth to the entire experience.

—C.L.