November diary: this month’s must-see events and exhibitions

As the winter sets in and outside seems increasingly unappealing, it’s prime time to take in one of the plethora of great exhibitions opening in November. From Russian protest art to Africa’s rising stars, our hand-picked selection features five UK-based shows and five international.

Gilbert & George: The Beard Pictures and their Fuckosophy
22 November 2017 – 28 January 2018
White Cube Bermondsey, London, UK

Celebrating 50 years of the art of Gilbert & George, this new exhibition of the duo’s work stretches across all four galleries at Bermondsey. The Beard Pictures will be on show alongside The Fuckosophy – a collection of nearly 4,000 pronouncements and mottoes created by the artists. 

Alex Da Corte
17 November – 10 January 2018
Josh Lilley, London, UK

American visual artist Alex Da Corte’s work explores the modern mix of consumerism, desire and social alienation, presenting both fear and pop culture in a vivid neon palette and usually in the form of installation. His new show is apparently due to open with a room full of 50 Eminem lookalikes… Watch this space! 

Roger Law: From Satire to Ceramics
18 November 2017 – 3 April 2018
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich

Known for co-creating 80s and 90s TV series Spitting Image, Roger Law went on to become a major ceramic artist, establishing himself as a pioneer working in Jingdezhen, one of China’s most famous porcelain centres. This show will explore his career, from making cartoons and illustrations as part of the art department of The Sunday Times and The Observer, to his transition to 3D figures, caricature puppets, and then porcelain.

World Press Photo Exhibition
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London
3 – 20 November 2017

A free exhibition bringing together the 152 winning photographs from the annual World Press Photo Awards. Returning for its 21st edition, the photos are unfailingly powerful and provocative, and this year is certainly no different with the winner An Assassination in Turkey by Burhan Ozbilici depicting the killing of Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov.

Art Riot: Post-Soviet Actionism
16 November 2017 – 24 December 2017
Saatchi Gallery, London, UK

Dedicated to post-Soviet protest art over the last 25 years, this exhibition is one of many internationally marking 100 years since the Russian Revolution. As part of the show, theatre group Les Enfant Terribles will present Inside Pussy Riot, an immersive theatre experience including performances by founding member of the group, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova. The main exhibition features posters, slogans, video art and photography.

Art x Lagos
3 – 5 November 2017
The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

West Africa’s first international art fair launched last year, and is still the only art fair in sub-Saharan Africa to take place outside of South Africa. This year sees 60 artists from 14 countries exhibiting, including Yinka Shonibare, Zanele Muholi and Nandipha Mntambo. Highlights include a retrospective of Lemi Ghariokwu’s album covers for Fela Kuti and performances from Africa’s most talented rising musicians at ART X Live!

On Sharks and Humanity
31 October – 31 December 2017
Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong

An exhibition showing the work of 34 artists all exploring the importance of shark preservation aiming to bring an end to dishes such as shark-fin soup. With a mix of established international artists and more up-and-coming names, the exhibition is a mixture of painting, sculpture, film and photography.

Jil Sander: Präsens
4 November 2017 – 6 May 2018
Museum Angewandte Kunst / Frankfurt am Main

Fashion designer Jil Sander presents her first solo exhibition. Spanning 3,000 square metres, it’ll feature large scale, multimedia installations showcasing her apparel alongside her product and architectural designs. It is curated by Matthias Wagner K in collaboration with the designer.

Jump into the Future – Art from the 90s and 2000s
26 November 2017 – 4 March 2018
Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A selection of contemporary artworks taken from a huge donation by German art collector Thomas Bormann will be on put on display at the Stedelijk Museum. Thomas’ donation showcases a breadth of working produced throughout the 90s and 2000s, and highlights discoveries made by the collector who often uncovered the work of a fresh generation of artists. From paintings and drawings to photography and installations, the collection depicts a time “when boundaries in art were dissolving” and “artists utilised media of all kinds, defying categorisation”. 

Paris Photo
9 – 12 November 2017
Grand Palais, Paris

Paris Photo is the world’s largest international art fair for photography. Bringing together collectors, professionals, artists, and enthusiasts together with over 180 galleries and publishers, the fair will consider photography in its myriad forms, from rare vintage images to up and coming book releases. We’re particularly excited to hear that GRIMM Gallery, a new exhibitor at Paris Photo, will be presenting Dana Lixenberg’s incredible Imperial Courts.