MARCEL DUCHAMP: THE BARBARA AND AARON LEVINE COLLECTION @ HIRSHHORN MUSEUM

The idea that anything can be art has been conventional wisdom for much of our lifetimes—and you can thank Marcel Duchamp for that. Infamously branding a urinal with the pseudonym “R. Mutt,” he can be thanked (and blamed) for an endless litany of rebel artists. Thanks to a recent gift from Barbara and Aaron Levine, the Hirshhorn will exhibit more than 50 works—-about three dozen of which are seminal works from the readymade bad boy himself; other works are by his contemporaries. The exhibition is the first of a two-part look at Duchamp, with the second stage coming next spring.

On view Nov. 9, 2019–Oct. 12, 2020 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. FREE.

HEROES: PRINCIPLES OF AFRICAN GREATNESS @ NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART

Featuring some 50 artworks from more than 40 artists, this exhibition pairs artwork with a figure from African history to demonstrate key heroic principles. In at least one case, the artist is in fact a hero: Among the works on display is a striking new acquisition, a watercolor by Nelson Mandela depicting the rock quarry on Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for years.

Opens Nov. 16 at the National Museum of African Art. FREE.

HOKUSAI: MAD ABOUT PAINTING @ FREER GALLERY OF ART

You’ve probably seen his Great Wave off Kanagawa, one of the most reproduced and influential pieces of Japanese art. But that was just one of thousands of works by Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) made in his long life. Gallery founder Charles Lang Freer assembled the world’s largest collection of paintings, sketches and drawings by the artist. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Freer’s death, and to celebrate next year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the Freer will devote three rooms to the prolific artist. Also at the Freer this month, the gallery celebrates its second annual fundraising event, Found in Translation, this year subtitled Art in Seoul. Party at the gallery with DJ TOKiMONSTA on Friday, Nov. 22.

On view Nov. 23, 2019–Nov. 2020 at the Freer Gallery of Art. FREE.

JANEL LEPPIN: WEAVINGS @ COMET PING PONG

From her solo work to collaborations with guitarist Anthony Pirog, cellist and singer Janel Leppin is a staple of Washington’s experimental music scene. This month, Comet Ping Pong becomes a showcase for more than just her music. The venue hosts an exhibition of her fine-art weavings. In an email, Leppin explained to DCist, “I make these weavings out of my performance clothes as a cellist and singer. I adore weaving in favorite fabrics of clients for commissions. It’s really special to see a piece of grandma’s shawl and a vintage dress from college on the wall. It gives new life to favorite fabrics that would ordinarily be in a closet.”

Opening reception Nov. 23 at 10 p.m at Comet Ping Pong, featuring short sets from The El Rey’s, Antonia, Saxophone Quartet #1, Janel & Anthony, and Sister Starless. The artwork will be on display at least through the New Year. $12.

DARK WORLD: PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRANK HALLAM DAY @ AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

This month American University’s late fall shows include an exhibition of work from D.C.-based photographer Frank Hallam Day. The photographs span 12 years of travels from New York to Bangkok, focusing on night time images that find an unsettling mystery in everything from communication wires to phone booths to recreational vehicles. (Disclosure: AU holds the license for DCist’s parent company, WAMU.)

On view Nov. 9-Dec. 15 at the American University Museum at The Katzen Arts Center. Opening reception Nov. 9 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Artist’s talk November 16 3 p.m. FREE.

KATYA TRABOULSI @ MIDDLE EASTERN INSTITUTE

Beirut-based Traboulsi transforms war objects into art by taking replicas of Lebanese bombshells and creating ornate pieces that belie their destructive origin. According to the museum, “The interplay between the form of a destructive military objects and the sculptural iconography posits a tension between war and culture.”

On view through Nov. 22 at the Middle East Institute. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE.

JUBEE LEE: RESONANCE @ KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER

The Korean Cultural Center presents a solo exhibition from South Korea-born, Centreville based glass artist Jubee Lee, named the center’s artist of the year. The artist’s contemplative glass installations, sculptures, drawings and paintings are inspired by nature. She writes that, “I feel the resonance of the waves in groupings of kiwa, Korean traditional roof tiles.”

On view through Nov. 29 at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. FREE.

FROM BALTIMORE WITH LOVE @ BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE

This group exhibition curated by Schroeder Cherry features painting, sculpture, and installations from the vibrant scene in Baltimore County. Featured artists include Mary Deacon Opasik, Oletha deVane, Jessica Devilbliss, and LaToya M. Hobbs.

On view Nov. 11 – Dec. 28 at Brentwood Arts Exchange. FREE.