pick of the week

James Abbe

In the the 1920s Abbe was one of America's top paparazzi, snapping the likes of Valentino, Charlie Chaplin and Maurice Chevalier. These portraits make a fascinating contrast to the photographer's powerful photo-journalism documenting the Spanish civil war and the rise of the Nazis.

National Portrait Gallery, London WC2 (0171-306 0055), to 24 March

Emil Nolde

The first time the German Expressionist painter Nolde has been exhibited here. His early work dealing with biblical scenes is shown alongside his visionary canvases painted in hiding while hounded by the Nazis.

Whitechapel Art Gallery, London E1 (0171-377 0107), to 25 Feb