There is plenty coming up at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery from April through to May- he’s a sneak preview…

John Wood and Paul Harrison – Some words. Some more words.
Wood and Harrison’s first UK based show since 2002 is eagerly awaited. Their work is about exploration, and they use a wealth of references, from the deadpan humour of Buster Keaton to the theatre of Beckett, to discuss the implications of co-dependency amidst our daily concerns. The exhibition combines a cross section of media, where photographs, poster prints and drawings will be shown alongside their video, with the ultimate goal of documenting the absurdity of the creative process, something which promises to be fascinating. Image above: John Wood and Paul Harrison Shelf (2007), Video still. Courtesy of the artists and fa projects, London.
Thomas Bewick – Tale Pieces
Bewick (1753 –1828) is renowned for his work as an artist-engraver and a naturalist. His childhood on a farm and his love for the countryside heavily influence his tale pieces which combine to provide a great insight into his sharp intelligence and his contemporary society. This is a collection of 100 finely crafted pieces which have been painstakingly cut into the end grain of blocks. They are full of miniature moments of satire and humour and they can all be viewed through a magnifying glass provided by Ikon so that nothing is missed.

Sofia Hulten at Perrott’s Folly
Hulten is welcomed back to Birmingham’s 18th century landmark Perrott’s Folly, possible inspiration for Tolkein’s The Two Towers. Recently reopened after a spate of renewed fame, the Folly will home Swedish-born Hulten’s new exhibition, which will be inspired by the process of restoration, reconstruction and preservation. Hulten, who was brought up in Birmingham, will use video, sculptural pieces and photography to explore different themes that range from popular science to resistance and protest. This is all part of Ikon’s desire to use Perrott’s Folly as a regular exhibition space, a promising move for the tower that nearly stands at 100ft tall! Image above: Still from Back to Back, 2009. Courtesy of the artist.

Exhibitions runs: 8 April – 25 May 2009

Jon Watson