Exhibitionist: The week's art shows in pictures

Spasticus Artisticus
'Hello to you out there in normal land!' – so Ian Dury sang in the song that inspired this exhibition's title. Curators Jota Castro and Christian Viveros-Fauné have gathered together works by irreverent artists worldwide into one big creative tantrum. On at Liverpool's Ceri Hand Gallery until 27 February 2010
Photograph: Simona Homrorodean

Matthew Barney, London
When it comes to body orifices and Vaseline, here's an artist who doesn't hold back. Budgets are huge and the players include cultural icons, from Norman Mailer to Barney's other half, Björk. His latest, comparatively low-key show at Sadie Coles HQ, London, is part of his seven-part opera based on an erotic novel. On show from Wednesday to 6 March 2010
Photograph: Sadie Coles

Four Fatrasies: Alex Pollard and Clare Stephenson
Folk heroes, dandies and criminals are among the well-dressed cast who caper about in this joint show inspired by medieval nonsense poetry. On display at Pump House Gallery, London, until 14 March 2010
Photograph: Nathan Wald

Richard Grayson
End-of-the-world predictions, particle accelerators and a monologue by folk-rocker Roy Harper (pictured) all feature in Grayson's suggestive remix of religious mania, apocalyptic prophecy and music. At the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea, until 14 March 2010
Photograph: PR

David Mackintosh: The Edge of Things
Even in his most normal-looking works, this artist will surprise you with something as grim as a warship or severed head. But his theatre-of-the-absurd worldview is tempered by a sardonic and entertaining sense of humour. On at Manchester's Cornerhouse gallery until 28 March 2010
Photograph: PR

Negotiable Values
Social alienation, oversized babies, cultural suspense – Manchester's Chinese Arts Centre continues to highlight the changes taking place in the People's Republic with an exhibition that questions the concept of progress. On show until 3 April 2010
Photograph: PR

Aubrey Williams: Atlantic Fire
Inspired by a study of ritual cultures in Central and South America, the paintings of this Guyana-born artist are a high-spirited mix of Caribbean vibrancy and abstract expressionism. See them at Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery until 11 April 2010
Photograph: PR

The Real Van Gogh
The Royal Academy of Art's show is, staggeringly, the first major London offering of the artist's work in 40 years. Presenting his original letters and drawings alongside major paintings, it boasts a revelatory take on one of art history's most over-exposed stars. On show until 18 April 2010
Photograph: Van Gogh Museum