Abstraction at the Albert Dock

At the Tate in Liverpool Mondrian and Nasreen Mohamedi share the top floor gallery which, on the face of things, seems an odd pairing, yet in reality works well. Whilst everyone knows (and perhaps even appreciates) Piet's ordered grids of black and primary coloured neo-plasticism, it is the early deconstructions such as the Church Facade No.6 of 1915 and The Tree A of 1913 that I prefer. The latter also has a wonderful sense of Cezanne.

Mohamedi's work is however new to me. Early works are reminiscent of monochromatic Ivon Hitchens paintings, later developing into a complex form of Op Art which rivals even Riley. Again an odd combination one might think but Mohamedi's evolution as an artist seems wholly logical. There is even a reconstruction of Mondrian's studio to see but sadly, this didn't make me immediately wish to paint.

The 'DLA Piper Series: Constellations' exhibition which is also showing, assembles a typical selection of 'is that really art?' work. Stacks of magazines, colourful trollies, a pile of old towels, women being tattooed, and best of all John Smith's video from 1976, The Girl Chewing Gum. Containing elements of Pete and Dud and slightly Monty Pythonesque, I really like this piece, but probably for the wrong reasons.