From Bruegel to Nauman

One of the world’s largest art fairs opens in London this month, along with gripping exhibitions in New York, Tokyo and Vienna

CATASTROPHE AND THE POWER OF ART

MORI ART MUSEUM, TOKYO OCTOBER 6 TO JANUARY 20

This unusual exhibition examines how artists have responded to tragedies around the world, such as the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, the global financial crisis of 2008, and the tsunami-triggered Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011. Featured artists include international stars such as Gillian Wearing, Isaac Julien and Mona Hatoum, as well as prominent Japanese counterparts Yoko Ono, Tatsuo Miyajima and the Chim Pom art collective, among many others. mori.art.museum

BRUCE NAUMAN: DISAPPEARING ACTS

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, MOMA PS1, NEW YORK OCTOBER 21 TO FEBRUARY 25

Bruce Nauman is one of the most famous—and often most shocking—artists of his generation. The 76-year-old American has made everything from sculptures incorporating taxidermy moulds to neon works depicting almost pornographic scenes. This show is split between the two New York institutions and covers Nauman’s entire career, which began in the 1960s. moma.org; momaps1.org

BRUEGEL

KUNSTHISTORISCHES MUSEUM, VIENNA OCTOBER 2 TO JANUARY 13

The 450th anniversary of the death of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, one of the 16th century’s greatest Netherlandish painters, takes place in 2019. Only about 40 of his complex, multilayered paintings survive. To mark the occasion, the museum is bringing panels from other collections to join the 12 it owns for a stunning overview of Bruegel’s oeuvre. khm.at

FRIEZE LONDON

REGENT’S PARK OCTOBER 4–7

The latest edition of Frieze London, one of Europe’s largest and most important art fairs, will see more than 160 galleries taking part, showcasing the best of contemporary art from around the world. Running alongside Frieze London are Frieze Sculpture, an outdoor sculpture show in Regent’s Park, and Frieze Masters, a sister fair that features art dating back to the Middle Ages. Visitors will be able to view and buy art from more than 1,000 of today’s leading artists. frieze.com