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Visual Arts at MIF23

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

Manchester International Festival spans every imaginable arts discipline, yet always remains firmly rooted in its artistic ideals of reimagining how art events can be experienced and, of course, delighting audiences. This year is no different with a whole host of visual arts events, exhibitions and one-off activities that are taking over many of the arts venues in the city, including the freshly opened Factory International.

First up is the unmissable Yayoi Kusama and her inflatable artworks in You, Me and Balloons, which fill Factory International’s warehouse space with kaleidoscopic inflatable artworks.

Tino Sehgal’s This Entry remains a slightly mysterious display created with the help of a group of highly skilled people from very different professional fields. This event will be split between the National Football Museum and the Whitworth. Also at the Whitworth, you’ll find Economics The Blockbuster – It’s not Business as Usual, an exhibition that examines the idea of economic systems via the lens and use of art.

Meanwhile, Balmy Army are a a movement for youth-led mental health, inviting everyone to protest about and discuss the issue with them at HOME. Another highlight, Find Your Eyes at Manchester Academy is artist Benji Reid’s live photography show, in which the artist invites a live theatre audience to take a peek behind the scenes at his unique creative process.

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