Philadelphia has a great and oft-overlooked local art scene. You’ve got both quality commercial galleries and an impressive number of artist-run, do-it-yourself style exhibition venues, so don’t make the mistake of ignoring them altogether in favor of the city’s scene-stealing museums. Here’s a local guide for what’s on at the moment.
Start with the all-around wonderful Jennifer Barlett, whose current solo show at Locks Gallery focuses on the theme of home. The artist tackles her subject both formally and conceptually, repeating the simple house icon throughout a series of inventive, colorful works that evoke nostalgia. Then, you should check out the timely group exhibition “Mothers’ Day” at Little Berlin, where seven artists tackle the idea of motherhood. The gallery press release observes that while “all of us are affected by Motherhood,” these experiences are deeply personal, specific, and are definitely not universal—note that the show is only on view for two weeks, so better hurry or you’ll miss it altogether. Another interesting show is up at Fleisher/Ollman, where artist Anthony Campuzano presents lively and inventive works on paper, including the punchy “No Comedians” drawing which is both memorable and, I think, kind of hilarious.
Find artnet’s full list of picks below, and enjoy art sightseeing Philly-style.
Exhibition: “Jennifer Bartlett: House”
When: April 17–May 25, 2018
Where: Locks Gallery, 600 Washington Square S., Philadelphia, PA
“Mothers’ Day: A Group Exhibition.” Courtesy of Little Berlin.
Exhibition: “Mothers’ Day: A Group Exhibition”
When: May 12–26, 2018
Where: Little Berlin, 2430 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA
Tezh Modarressi, Welcome. Courtesy of F.A.N. Gallery.
Exhibition: “Tezh Modarressi: Inventing Home”
When: May 4–26, 2018
Where: F.A.N. Gallery, 221 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
“Two Spiders: Chris Bogia and Jesse Harrod” installation view. Courtesy of GrizzlyGrizzly.
Exhibition: “Two Spiders: Chris Bogia and Jesse Harrod”
When: May 4–May 27, 2018
Where: GrizzlyGrizzly, 319 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Nicholas Buffon, Meat Market (2017). Courtesy of FJORD Gallery.
Exhibition: “How We Remembered It”
When: April 12–May 28, 2018
Where: FJORD Gallery, 1400 N. American Street, Suite 105, Philadelphia, PA
Anthony Campuzano, No Comedians (2015). Courtesy of Fleisher/Ollman.
Exhibition: “Anthony Campuzano: Venture Inward”
When: April 12–June 2, 2018
Where: Fleisher/17Ollman, 1216 Arch Street 5A, Philadelphia, PA
“Form to Function.” Courtesy of Wexler Gallery.
Exhibition: “Form to Function”
When: April 6–June 15, 2018
Where: Wexler Gallery, 201 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Gosia, From Within (2018). Courtesy of Paradigm Gallery.
Exhibition: “Emily Smith: Messy Women // Gosia: Beneath the Surface”
When: April 27–June 16, 2018
Where: Paradigm Gallery, 746 S. 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA
“Julia Staples: You’ve got to be really pure, you can’t just make believe.” Courtesy pf Vox Populi.
Exhibition: “Julia Staples: You’ve got to be really pure, you can’t just make believe.”
When: May 4–June 24, 2018
Where: Vox Populi, 319 North 11th Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA
Joseph Marioni, Blue Painting [No. 10] (2012). Courtesy of Larry Becker Contemporary Art.
When: May 19–June 30, 2018
Where: Larry Becker Contemporary Art, 43 N. Second Street, Philadelphia, PA