Five Dazzling Art Exhibitions Opening in April

Facade at Artereal Gallery will feature current and past artists in residence at Parramatta Artists Studios, an important space set up to nurture the new generation of creatives. Tackling the divide between interior and exterior are artists Liam Benson, Linda Brescia, John Spiteri, Hossein Ghaemi, Leahlani Johnson, Mason Kimber and Tom Polo. Each artist will explore how meaning is concealed, constructed and obstructed. This group exhibition will represent a versatile range of art practices, from Tom Polo’s ceramic conversation piece through to Linda Brescia’s uncanny painted body suits. On the whole, it’s an enticing curatorial vision and a solid lineup of talent.

The Australian Centre for Photography is good at covering the globe — exposing us to troubled corners, far-flung heartbreak and curious cultural rituals. And this upcoming exhibition from highly esteemed photographer Gohar Dashti is likely to be no exception. Her exhibition Iran will be made up of selected works from two larger series. Part of the Head On Photo Festival, Dashti’s compelling photographs uncover the impact of revolution and war on the collective Persian psyche. Capturing barren landscapes that are sparsely populated, she reflects on big themes in subtle and sophisticated ways. That said, her work is not without humour. Often she constructs fictional scenarios that are imbued with wit and whimsy.

Giving new meaning to the idea of speaking with one’s hands, The Colour of Saying by Paris- and Sydney-based artist Angelica Mesiti is an exploration of non-verbal expression. This multichannel video work is woven from music, movement and silence. It is the result of a workshop led by Mesiti in Sweden. Set within a white landscape, the work incorporates a diverse group of performers — dancers, musicians and a sign language choir. Praised for the cinematic quality of her practice, Mesiti has been tapping into different cultures and methods of communication for some time now. On display at Anna Schwartz Gallery, this alluring take on the spectrum of human interaction is likely to uphold her reputation.

How do you remember your childhood? For Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, making sense of his Muslim Australian upbringing has come through the medium of art. In the Name, showing for three weeks at the Alaska Projects space, explores life, death and dinner. Taking a walk down memory lane, Abdullah’s installations offer a raw insight into suburban animal slaughter brought about from a lack of halal meat in typical Australian supermarkets. This West Australian artist tackles tough issues of identity and social difference with a refreshing touch. Straddling two cultural worlds, his work draws audiences into memories of youth tinged with bewilderment, curiosity and confusion.

From April 16, the MCA will be hosting a sparkling labyrinth of surprises. Breaking the box office at London’s Hayward Gallery in 2013, Light Show is a whopping international import. This star-studded exhibition traces the history of light as a sculptural medium and will feature 17 pioneers and innovators of light-based installation. Some of these include David Batchelor, Jenny Holzer, Dan Flavin, Bill Culbert and Katie Paterson. Playing on the intersection between art and technology, this stimulating and immersive exhibition is bound to be a 2015 highlight. You can see it during Vivid, when the gallery will be staying open late nightly.