5 art shows to see this November

Colour and clothing and artworks paired with scent – these are the shows we want to see this month

An artwork by Donna Huanca courtesy of Donna Huanca

1. Enter the portal de plata

American artist Donna Huanca (b.1980) is known for her sculpture, performance, choreography, video, sound and immersive painting, as seen here. Now she has created an intriguing show – the final of Whitechapel Gallery in London’s series of artist-curated displays, all drawn from the Christen Sveaas Art Foundation. Enter the Portal de Plata (Silver Gate) and prepare for sights such as Louise Bourgeois’ totemic Torso (Self-Portrait), along with a hit on the senses: Huanca has paired the art with a sound and scent work of her own (think cedarwood and vetiver), creating an atmosphere of intimacy and reflection.

Until 1 January 2023

whitechapelgallery.org

Figures at a Table with Plants © Norman Gilbert 1985

2. Relish the colour

For over 70 years the artist Norman Gilbert (1926–2019) lived and painted domestic scenes of his family, friends and neighbours in Glasgow’s Southside, where he lived. Now the arts venue Tramway, in the same area, is showing Norman Gilbert, exhibiting his remarkable works, which, although modest in subject, were exuberant in execution. As Gilbert noted, ‘Each colour and shape enhances every other colour and shape, so it’s entirely satisfactory, so it’s at peace.’

Until 5 February 2023

tramway.org

Waddesdon Manor lit up in winter © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens/Photo Peter Greenway

3. Enjoy art outdoors

As dusk falls on winter evenings, it’s time to wrap up and head out to view the spectacle of light displays at iconic sites across the British Isles. Seen here is Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, lit up in style; check your locale and websites for similar offerings. From Surrey’s RHS Garden Wisley’s Glow to Edinburgh Castle’s Castle of Light, this season promises serious sparkle.

Courtesy Lubaina Himid. Photographer Michael Pollard

4. Strike a pose

This is Lubaina Himid’s life-size portrait Dandy (2011); see it now in Manchester Art Gallery’s new exhibition, Dandy Style, which The Arts Society has been proud to support. This is the inaugural show for the venue’s new Fashion Gallery, celebrating 250 years of British menswear through clothes, painting and photography, past and present. Expect immaculate tailoring and ornate decoration; the treasures range from a tartan 1820s three-piece suit to a 1998 Alexander McQueen coat, richly embroidered with a pair of fighting cocks.

Until 1 May 2023

manchesterartgallery.org

Fighting for India © The Singh Twins

5. Discover The Singh Twins

Don’t miss the display of arresting works in The Singh Twins: Slaves of Fashion, which is on at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and East Gallery, Norwich University of the Arts. The identical twin artists explore hidden narratives of empire, colonialism, conflict and slavery through the lens of India’s historical textile trade. Expect jewel-like colours, extraordinary detail, politics, humour and harrowing stories, all told via digital mixed-medium light-box artworks, drawings and paintings. Discover more about the duo at theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/5-things-know-about-singh-twins

Until 22 January 2023

museums.norfolk.gov.uk

Find more shows to see in our new issue of The Arts Society Magazine, available exclusively to members and supporters of The Arts Society (to join see theartssociety.org/member-benefits). And for our online monthly ‘5 amazing art shows to see’, sign up at theartssociety.org/signup