Leeds Arts University Exhibition Spaces

Leeds Arts University has a large and exciting exhibitions programme held at both our Blenheim Walk and Vernon Street sites.

Click here to see our current and upcoming exhibitions.

2020 opens with an exhibitions programme that embraces ‘theoretical fiction’ and art historical legacies. Renowned Dutch cultural theorist Mieke Bal visits to share her recent film project, a contemporary revision of Cervantes’ seventeenth century novel ‘Don Quichotte,’ which has been touring throughout Europe. Professor Bal will present a public lecture chaired by Professor Griselda Pollock.

This is followed by the first show of large scale paintings in the new university gallery. London-based artist, Flora Yukhnovich, presents a body of work that explores eighteenth century French Rococo painting. Yukhnovich’s interests extend to the French paintings of Dorothea Tanning. Such interests continue in a solo show of narrative drawings and experimental animations by northern artist Rachel Goodyear whose show will include our annual Corridor 8 writing residency.

Next up, a one-night performance by Double Edge Theatre who research the creative inheritance of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington’s art and political activism. ‘Leonora’s World’ (2018) offers a series of theatrical tableaus, and Leeds Arts University is honoured to host this immersive theatrical experience.

The university gallery finishes the academic year with a two-person exhibition by the Buckley twins, Hannah, a dancer and choreographer, and Amy, a photographer, exploring sisterhood and the dialogues between their respective media.

Further highlights in this programme include The Chris Graham Collection and Tauba Auerbach – showcasing two recent developments of our Acquisitions Panel. We are also delighted to welcome local photographer, Peter Mitchell, to Librarian’s Choice as a recent recipient of our honorary masters degree (2019).

Doctoral candidate and alumna, Melanie King, returns to share her latest photographic work, portraits of fellow artists made using lunar light.

Finally, select graduates will be showcased in our ever popular Curator’s Choice series. Oonagh Corr and Laurie Powell investigate locally sourced, natural materials, while Katie Grindley and Jay Stelling have been selected by Curatorial Trainee, Abbie Mooney, and explore storytelling in ceramics and with puppetry.

All are welcome at our exhibitions. Please feel free to book an appointment with the curator if you wish to visit displays in The Boardroom, The Rotunda, Curator’s Choice or Librarian's Choice at catriona.mcara@leeds-art.ac.uk.

Dr Catriona McAra
University Curator
@catrionamcara