Welcome to This Week in Culture, a weekly agenda of show openings and events in major cities across the globe. From galleries to institutions and one-of-a-kind happenings, our ongoing survey highlights the best of contemporary culture, for those willing to make the journey.

“COY KHOI” by Lady Skollie
Simchowitz Los Angeles

Los Angeles gallery Simchowitz is presenting a collection of hand-picked pieces, made between 2017 and 2018, by South African artist Lady Skollie. The works take influence from Khoisan drawings, specifically investigating caves and the illustrations that have been left within them. Those who appreciate Ovid’s stories, long artwork titles, deeply personal exhibitions, or ancient references will find an immediate connection to Skollie, who pulls from the above while tackling topics ranging from gender violence to colonialism. “COY KHOI” will be on view through September 23, 2023 at Simchowitz in Los Angeles.

“Artists Choose Parrish | Part II”
Parrish Art Museum Water Mill

The task behind “Artists Choose Parrish,” a three-part exhibition taking place at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill this and next year, would make any art lover jealous—curators (also artists themselves) got to dig through the archives of the Parrish and pair chosen pieces with their own work, all in celebration of the museum’s 125th anniversary. This second go-around of the exhibition will feature pieces curated by Hamptons icons Vija Celmins, Stanley Whitney, CULTURED Hamptons June/July 2023 cover star Sheree Hovsepian, and more. “Artists Choose Parrish | Part II” is on view through February 4, 2024 at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, New York.

“Tammy Nguyen”
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston

For Tammy Nguyen’s first solo museum exhibition—taking place at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston—the location is paramount. In fact, the new work directly references Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1863 essay, Nature, which he wrote in Concord, Massachusetts. In the piece, he establishes himself as a firm observer of the natural world around him; using Emersonian techniques, Nguyen examines land changes in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in a collection of paintings, works on paper, and artist books. “Tammy Nguyen” will be on view from August 24, 2023 through January 28, 2024 at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston.

“John Giorno: I am a Poet”
Almine Rech Shanghai

Under the curatorial eye of Neil Zhang, a Buddhist scholar, Almine Rech brings forth John Giorno’s poetry for a sixth solo exhibition with the gallery. Giorno was known for text-based works, employing different graphic design techniques to create a colorful and easily recognizable oeuvre. The show explores the ties between Giorno’s work and Buddhist philosophy, a striking influence on his practice and personal life. “I am a Poet” will be on view from August 25, 2023 through October 14, 2023 at Almine Rech in Shanghai.

“Merce Cunningham’s Beach Birds (1991): An Arrangement” and “Sarah Michelson: A Response” by Beach Sessions Dance Series
Rockaway Beach New York

Recognizing the historic and innovative dance Beach Birds, created in 1991 by Merce Cunningham, Beach Sessions will present a new arrangement of the dance, as well as a response choreographed by Sarah Michelson. “Merce Cunningham’s Beach Birds (1991): An Arrangement” and “Sarah Michelson: A Response” will be performed on August 26, 2023 at Beach 108th St at Rockaway Beach.

“New Paintings” by Lily Ludlow
Canada East Hampton

Watching Lily Ludlow create her work could shock the untrained eye–Ludlow often begins a piece, only to blank it out and create something entirely new. This process is present within the exhibited works, with light washes of colors that sit on top of each other, as well as abstracted women who bear no faces, seemingly anticipating the next iteration of their destiny. Hamptonites are lucky enough to have Ludlow’s newest works on view locally for the next month. “New Paintings” will be on view through September 23, 2023 at Canada in East Hampton, New York.

“entre horizontes: Art and Activism Between Chicago and Puerto Rico”
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

With a group of 17 artists who are all, in some way, connected to both Chicago and Puerto Rico, this exhibition takes on a two-pronged goal—it serves as an opportunity to explore the Puerto Rican community in the exhibition’s namesake city, Chicago, but also as a way to highlight the connections between the American hub and island nation. Telling the story of the Young Lords, the Division Street and Humboldt Park rebellions, and more moments of activism throughout Chicago’s history, this exhibition emphasizes the importance of art in creating lasting records. “entre horizontes: Art and Activism Between Chicago and Puerto Rico” will be on view through May 5, 2024 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.