The exhibitions you must see this August

This dazzling exhibition from the Singh Twins is made up of a collection of large-scale lightboxes exploring the complex history of the Indian textile trade. They include images from pop culture and current affairs, plus a myriad of tiny little details including messages, logos and more. We recently took our Art Partners, Art Fund’s closest supporters, along for a visit to this amazing exhibition and to discover Firstsite – explore our trip for more details.

This unique exhibition at the former home for abandoned children explores the origin stories of superheroes, many of whom were foundlings, orphans, adoptees or foster children. From Black Panther to Superman, explore the early life experiences that shaped characters who still inspire people today. Rare comics, digital artworks and a site-specific work by poet Lemn Sissay will be on display, plus new commissions by contemporary comic artists examine the landscape of care.

A former nanny in Chicago and New York, Vivian Maier’s photographs capture an intimate portrait of 20th-century America. They chronicle the highs and lows of everyday life, peppered with humour, wit and spontaneous moments that speak to community spirit. More than one hundred black and white images will be on display, featuring abandoned toys, shops windows and people on the streets, all set against the backdrop of social inequality that dominated America at the time.

Have you ever wondered how football became the world’s most popular sport? Spoiler alert: it’s all thanks to design! Dive into the story behind the beautiful game and explore how designers helped football become the worldwide phenomenon it is today, and how football in turn inspired innovation in design. The exhibition will feature boots, kits, memorabilia, trophies and more, plus rare insights from the people who shaped the game we watch today.

Explore the important global story of migration from India to the UK, from the abolishment of slavery in the 1800s to the movement of people today. The exhibition particularly explores how major events like the partition of Pakistan and India in 1947 and the Asian Ugandan expulsion in 1972 have shaped Britain and the rest of the world, sharing the stories of those individuals most affected by these huge cultural shifts.

Walter Sickert’s distinctive modernist paintings are recognisable for their focus on urban scenes and gritty real life. He was particularly inspired by current affairs and images derived from press photographs, and the show explores this groundbreaking part of Sickert’s practice and his early fascination with fame and the media. Other parts of the exhibition focus on how the artist was captivated with particular events, such as the brutal Camden Town Murders.

Celebrate the beauty in everyday life through artist David Hockney’s observational drawings. A love for life underpins David Hockney’s art, beautifully demonstrated by this collection of works on paper. The drawings on display include some of his well-known portraits, plus many works that focus on the little things, like twisted ties, furniture and windows.

This vibrant display of outdoor and indoor sculptures is by American artist Robert Indiana, known for his pop art inspired, colourful works. Combined with rare paintings and prints never seen before in the UK, the sculptures touch on the themes of unity, acceptance, love and movements against the discrimination of people, plus explore the darker side of the American Dream.