pick of the week

The Tate's acquisitions policy over the past seven years comes under scrutiny from tomorrow in Life Patterns, a show certain to arouse considerable controversy. Among the more interesting artists are Hirst, Whiteread, Opie, Davenport, Davey and Milroy.

South Bank, SW1 (0171-887 8000)

As the existence of a "School of London" is once again called into question, one of its senior painters, Frank Auerbach, presents his versions of works by Rubens, Titian, Turner and others, alongside the originals.

National Galley, Trafalgar Sq, WC2 (0171-839 3321)

Godfather of contemporary conceptualism John Baldessari currently fills the Serpentine with an important show of his photographic montages. At its best elegant, disturbing and witty, his work is compulsory for anyone seeking the roots of today's cutting edge.

Kensington Gdns, London, W2

(0171-723 9072)