This February sees a mixture of art events varying from work by the Renaissance master Leonardo Da Vinci, to many contemporary exhibitions throughout the city. Birmingham based collective ‘Swoomptheeng’ will be bringing their Dance Maast to the Ikon for one day only, whilst Eastside Projects welcomes ‘The Range’ – a group show that will explore a variety of relatable themes. Displaying art that ranges from the old to the new, it is certainly set to be an exciting month for art events in the second city.

A group exhibition exploring a variety of themes: The Range at Eastside Projects

Inspired by a group gathering over Whatsapp in October of last year, The Range is a collaboration of artists whose body of work intends to be read as one. Discussing a range of themes from hysteria to pleasure to diversity initiatives, a large breadth of material will be explored in this show. Featuring a mixture of artists from Birmingham and beyond, this exhibition will not just display a mix of themes, but also a group collaboration of artistic styles. There will also be a performance by one of the artists – Zarina Muhammad – at Digbeth First Friday on 1st February. Make sure you visit Eastside Projects to find out more.
Sat 26 Jan – Fri 27 Apr, at Eastside Projects, 86 Heath Mill Lane, Birmingham, B9 4AR, Tel: 0121 771 1778, opening times vary, free.
www.eastsideprojects.org

A delicate show depicting the ambiguous relationship between sound and sculpture: Lauren Gault: drye eyes at Grand Union

Through utilising both sculpture and sound, Lauren Gault’s drye eyes exhibition will explore an in-between state. Materials include glass, metal, sand and light, all of which will contribute towards a delicately satisfying exhibition.
Fri 1 Feb – Sat 13 Apr at Grand Union, 19 Minerva Works, Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5RS, Tel: 0121 643 9079, opening times vary, free.
www.grand-union.org.uk

An art installation incorporating dance music: Swoomptheeng and the Dance Maast at Ikon Gallery

The masked art collective SWOOMPTHEENG are bringing ‘Rave Craft, Zombie Bass and Ritualised Punk Technology’ to the Ikon for one day only. The Dance Maast allows eight members to create beats, looping and layering them across one another. The collective create imaginative beats, which are usually used to accompany their at times, rather confusing and equally trippy visuals. The Birmingham based collective are definitely worth a check out. Head on down to the Ikon to find out more.
Tues 19 Feb, at Ikon Gallery, 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HS, Tel: 0121 248 0708, Opening times vary, free.
www.ikon-gallery.org

A collection of 12 drawings exploring the life of a Renaissance master: Leonardo Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

To mark the 500th anniversary since the artists death, for the first time ever a collection of twelve exquisitely delicate drawings by the genius Leonardo Da Vinci will be gracing the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Including a study for St John at the Last Supper, as well as scientific and natural sketches, the exhibition will present a group of drawings that offer a glimpse into the famous artists life. It is highly unlikely that these drawings will ever be on display in Birmingham again, so make sure you check them out!
Fri 1 Feb – Mon 6 May, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH, Tel: 0121 348 8000, Opening times vary, free.
www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Twentieth century female portraiture, by women and male artists: Painted Ladies and Exchange of Ideas at Wolverhampton Art Gallery

Birmingham plays host to many amazing galleries, but that also9 means that the ones on our periphery can most definitely not be ignored. Continuing from last month, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is currently displaying a new exhibition of female portraits from the twentieth century. The portraits are exquisite. Featuring work by the artists, Emma Bolland and Dorette Outlaw, the exhibition presents a view of women not just from the gaze of the male artist, but as a product of the agency of the female. Curated by the University of Birmingham student Rafailia Thiraou, the exhibition will be a fresh take on some older pieces.
Fri 12 Jan – Sat 1 Sep, at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU, Tel: 01902 552055, opening times vary, free.
www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

Image credit: Photo by Adam Farrah, courtesy of Eastside Projects.