Zhang Huan
10 October - 10 November

Mesmerising show from a modern Chinese artist who left his country in the 1990s to escape poverty and repression, found fame in New York, and last year moved back to Shanghai. Using iconography of the Cultural Revolution, Buddhism, family photographs and his own face, he creates paintings, sculptures and installations using ash from incense sticks used in traditional temples, building multilayered evocations of his country's turbulent history. 6 Haunch of Venison Yard, off Brook Street, London W1; 020 7495 5050 www.haunchofvenison.com

Caption:
Copyright Zhang Huan, courtesy of Haunch of Venison

 
 
 
 

Louise Bourgeois
10 October - 17 November

A the same time as the Tate Modern's massive seven-decade retrospective of 95-year old Louise Bourgeois, Hauser & Wirth Colnaghi is staging a more manageable exhibition of new work including cast sculptures, vitrines, gouaches and hand-coloured prints occupying two floors of the gallery's elegant Mayfair premises. Her art is fuelled by an dark introspection, returning again and again to motherhood, sexuality and fear of abandonment. 15 Old Bond Street, London W1, 020 7287 2300; www.london@hauserwirthcom

Caption:
Couple
2007
Gouache on paper
59.6 x 45.7 cm
Courtesy Hauser & Wirth Zürich London and Cheim & Read, New York.

 
 
 
 

My World, My View
12-15 October

Journalist Sue Carpenter had a brilliant idea to help the charity Asha-Nepal, dedicated to helping oppressed women in Nepal, a country where they have no voice and are not encouraged to have opinions or develop personality. (Asha means "hope".) Carpenter spent 10 months in the Pokhara region teaching photography to disadvantaged girls and her efforts culminate in a book (£15) and this exhibition. Twenty-two girls, aged 6 -16, took part. They had never handled a camera before and yet the work is engaging and vibrant, with a natural feel for colour and composition. They are among the most underprivileged children in the world, yet their pictures display an inner joy and unique view of reality. Wonderful. Check out the details on www.asha-nepal.org/pages/myworld Royal College of Art, Jays Mews, off Kensington Gore, London SW7. 020 7590 4500; www.rca.ac.uk

Caption:
My old street, by Devi T

 
 
 
 

You've Got To Laugh

Luckner's, the Bermondsey-based on-line auctioneer is holding a sale of original cartoons in conjunction with Care International, the aid agency fighting poverty and injustice in 70 countries. There are 125 cartoons on political and environmental themes from artists including Chris Burke, Ralph Steadman, Nicholas Garland, Mike Williams, Andy Davey, Stan Eales, Sally Artz and Peter Schrank. Bidding opens on-line 25 October and closes end of play 1st November. It's a great opportunity to pick up a real bargain. Luckner's showroom, 128 Druid Street, London SE1; www.luckners.com

Caption:
Cartoon by Roy Nixon

 
 
 
 

Roll Up, Roll Up

This month the art world turns to London with enough fairs, sales and parties to make your head spin.

Frieze Art Fair
11-14 October

The most successful cutting-edge art fair in the British calendar attracting dealers worldwide and generating megabucks for exhibiting artists and galleries. The frenzied social merry-go-round surrounding it is all part of the fun. Regent's Park London NW1, 07870 890 0514; www.friezeartfair.com

Zoo
12-15 October

Spin-off fringe show generated by Frieze that was originally in London Zoo. This year it has relocated to the Royal Academy. Much less scary prices £500 - £100,000. 6 Burlington gardens, London W1, 020 7247 8597; www.zooartfair.com

Design Art London

A new event orchestrated by French art fair supremo, Patrick Perrin. It aims to complement Frieze with the best applied art from the 1940s to the present day. Prices from £2,000 - £200,000. Hanover Square, London W1, 020 7870 2900; www.designartlondon.com

Affordable Art Fair
18-21 October

With a top price set at £3,000, this is a great place to catch new work by this year's art graduates and unrecognised artists who may be just right for you. In 2006, the fair turned over £7.3m so they must be doing something right. Battersea Park, London SW8, 020 8246 4848; www.affordableartfair.com

Origin
2-14 October

The Craft Council's Applied Arts selling exhibition is a great way to find truly original pieces at reasonable prices. Craft is unfairly called the poor relation of the art world but there are some very fine talents working in ceramics, glass, wood and textiles. Somerset House, The Strand, WC2, 020 7806 2510; www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin