A Leeds-based art exhibition showcasing the work of 38 Yorkshire-born or based artists is currently open for its tenth edition.
Sunny Bank Mills’ ‘Ones To Watch’ exhibit showcases a variety of multimedia art forms created by emerging artists. This includes textile work, lighting, video, sculpture, photography, and archival materials.
Following a successful launch weekend, the exhibition will now be on view at the Sunny Bank Mills gallery space in Farsley, Leeds, until 30 April. The gallery is located within a disused textile factory and was regenerated in a masterplan agreed with Leeds City Council.
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Students, graduates and other young independent artists, who have either studied or lived in Yorkshire, were invited to apply earlier this year. The showcase had over 100 applicants, but 38 talented individuals were chosen to showcase their work in the tenth Ones To Watch.
The featured artists include students and graduates who studied at Yorkshire-based institutions such as Leeds University of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
William Gaunt, deputy managing director of Sunny Bank Mills, said the gallery was created through a “do-it-yourself effort and spirit” out of a need for more space for the platform of independent artists in Yorkshire. The Ones To Watch idea was born out of a desire to give emerging artists space to showcase their work and highlight the best of local talent.
leeds live He spoke with some of the artists who have their work exhibited.
Alice Chen
Leeds University student Alice Chen The work titled ‘Have you eaten?’ is a charcoal animation project that represents a meal with your family. The piece explores generational relationships, emotional distance, and communication with family members.
She said: “I hope people can watch the film and relate to the simple moments when they eat with their families and learn to appreciate those moments.”
Ms. Chen found out about the exhibition through her university and received her acceptance email on her birthday.
“I couldn’t believe it when they sent me the acceptance email. It was honestly the best birthday present I could ask for,” she said. “Since this is my first time exhibiting outside of the university, it’s very exciting to not only show my work, but also interact with so many other talented people.”
jack osmond
In addition , Leeds University of Arts jack osmond he had never exhibited his work before.
“I have never had my work exhibited in a gallery before, so it has been special to be a part of this event,” she said.
Mr. Osmond’s work ‘French Windows’ is a music video that explores the changing of the seasons and how it impacts people’s lifestyles. The video accompanies his song of the same name and took a total of four months to create. The video incorporates a combination of stop-motion animation, collagraph printing, letter printing, and live action techniques.
abi charlesworth
abi charlesworth , who was born and raised in North Yorkshire, has three pieces on display at Ones To Watch. ‘Sink’, ‘Dog Leg’ and ‘Level Crossings’ are each made with unique mediums including concrete, plaster, pigment, MDF and flexible layers.
Ms. Charlesworth found the opportunity to exhibit through Instagram and recently started an MFA at the Glasgow School of Art.
She said: “The Ones To Watch experience so far has been great – it’s such a nice space and the staff are really lovely and supportive. It felt like a great moment to tie the works from before and the beginning of my MFA together.”
“It’s wonderful to have my work back in the Leeds area since my founding and to see the work of other emerging Yorkshire artists.”
innes thomson
Sheffield Hallam graduate innes thomson The textile work of ‘ANCESTOR’ is inspired by the Pictish tribe who lived on the hill behind their Scottish hometown. He uses unconventional textiles and explores cultural identity and heritage.
He had found the exposure through another Instagram account a few days before the app was shut down.
Ms Thomson said: “It was a hectic application, but it sounded like a really fun opportunity. I was expecting good things, but it really exceeded all of that in every way.
“Everyone at the gallery was very supportive of my work and enthusiastic about the show, which created a positive buzz. I’m very proud of the end result and the other artists. It’s a really strong show and it came together beautifully.”
The complete list of artists
The full list of artists is Abi Charlesworth, Alice Chen, Amelia Klein, Amy D’Agorne, Amy Middlemiss, Anna Turner, Astrid Butt, Bianca Wallis-Salmon, Celeste Drouin-Davis, Danielle Kalinovskis, Darcey Axon, El Chettleburgh, Eliza Evans . , Ella Joy Nelson, Ellis Murrell, Florian Hynam, Fran Chambers, George Storm Fletcher, Grace Clifford, Innes Thompson, Izzy Webb, Jack Osmond, Jesse McMahon, Joanne Tiffany, Kai Brooks, Lily Orset, Lewis Andrews, Lucy Cross (LUCE) , Lucy Dewsnap (bear suit), Maja Novak, Manuela Amey, Millie Thompson, Molly Huxley, Molly Newham, Nell Tomlinson, Oran Rose O’Sullivan, Tiegan Handley, Zoe Maxwell.
Ones To Watch is open through April 30 at Sunny Bank Mills. More information about the online exhibition here .
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