Art in May

Jan Senbergs CONTEMPORARY Until Jun 12 Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia The first retrospective of Melbourne artist Senbergs has 120 paintings ranging from large-scale urban landscapes to studies from his world travels. Federation Square, Swanston St, Melbourne 3000. 03 8620 2222. www.ngv.vic.gov.au. Daily 10am-5pm. Free.

Whistler’s Mother

BLOCKBUSTER Until Jun 19 NGV International Get to know one of America’s most famous paintings, including the story behind James Mcneill Whistler and his mother and the public’s mixed reaction to the painting when it was first exhibited in 1871. 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3006. 03 8620 2222. www.ngv.vic.gov. au/exhibition/whistlers-mother. Daily 10am-5pm. $9-$12.

Fotografien

PHOTOGRAPHY Apr 28-May 31 The Substation Sven Marquardt (the bouncer from Berlin techno club Berghain) is also a world-famous photographer. For the first time, he’ll bring his series ranging from Berlin’s subculture in the ’80s to today to Australia. 1 Market St, Newport 3015. 03 9391 1110. thesubstation.org. au/show/fotografien. Tue-sat 11am- 5pm. Free.

Chris Mars, Naoto Hattori & Matt Dangler

LOWBROW Apr 30-May 24 beinart Gallery Dark, hyperrealistic and fantastical paintings from three US artists. 1 Sparta Pl, Brunswick 3056. 0420 949 925. beinart.org. Tue-thu 10am-4pm; Fri, Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4pm. Free.

Abandoned India

PHOTOGRAPHY May 10-21 fortyfivedownstairs Photographer Kip Scott’s eerie and evocative work captures India’s sparsely populated desert towns and abandoned mansions. 45 Flinders Ln, Melbourne 3000. 03 9662 9966. www.fortyfivedownstairs.com. Tue-fri 11am-5pm; Sat noon-4pm. Free.