The exhibitions you must see this April

A pioneering artist, central figure in British modernism, and founding member of the Bloomsbury group – Vanessa Bell's unbridled creativity goes on display in this major exhibition, the largest ever dedicated to her life and work. Marvel at over 100 works on display, from paintings to textiles, furniture design to book covers. And while you're at Charleston in Lewes, explore their corresponding exhibition by contemporary artist Koak, who has created a body of new paintings inspired by Bell.

Meet Shirley Smith, Grayson Perry's latest alter ego and museum heiress in crisis, in the largest contemporary exhibition ever staged at the Wallace Collection alongside masterpieces from their collection. From striking sculptures, vibrant tapestries, and story-filled ceramics, Perry's works of art add to the mythology of his newest persona, while drawing on childhood experiences and examining what it means to make and collect art today.

Peek at Pamela Anderson's iconic Baywatch swimming costume in this blockbuster exhibition, diving into our ever-lasting love of water. Charmingly split into three swimming-themed sections – the pool, the lido, and nature – you'll journey through 100 years of design history to discover the culture of swimming, the seaside and style.

Experience a bold exhibition by a contemporary artist who peels away the layers of Britain's colonial past and how it impacts Black people's lived experiences today. Elsa James' photography, prints and sound works create a moving and immersive experience to confront the 'national amnesia' of Britain's role in transatlantic slavery.

Delve into a pioneering contemporary artist's fascinating career. Ed Atkins draws on digital technology and his own experiences to uncover the messiness of life, while examining how reality and fiction often overlap. Computer-generated videos and moving-image works will be displayed alongside his writing, paintings, embroideries and drawings, to reveal an artist grappling with his own life and work.

Uncover a lesser-known aspect of 20th-century painter Winifred Nicholson's career: her Cumbrian rag rugs. Did you know? Rag rugs are hardy textiles made out of second-hand clothing that were particularly popular in mining villages and rural cottages in northern England during the 20th century. Learn about Nicholson's connection to this craft tradition and her relationship with Cumberland in this fascinating exhibition.

Marvel at these monumental porcelain sculptures by Felicity Aylieff. Towering up to five metres tall, these vast blue and white works are made in collaboration with master ceramicists in Jingdezhen AKA the 'Porcelain Capital'. Aylieff blends traditional Chinese pottery techniques with abstract painting to reimagine them as supersized, contemporary sculptures.

Małgorzata Mirga-Tas is a contemporary Polish Romani artist, teacher and activist. She stitches together fabrics to build textile collages that tell vibrant stories of Roma history and culture, and her family's experiences. Grounded in research and family stories, she finds inspiration in museum collections and her personal archives to challenge stereotypes of Roma people, while demonstrating the community's rich heritage and resilience.

What can archaeological artefacts reveal or conceal about a nation? How can museum collections bear witness to political violence? Ali Cherri creates works across film, sculpture, installation and performance to examine the connections between archaeology, history and heritage and the impact of preserving cultural objects in museum collections.