Leeds Art Gallery is set to bring some of the biggest names in contemporary and modern sculpture to the city this summer with the launch of its ambitious new Summer of Sculpture programme.
The major seasonal showcase will feature a series of exhibitions and installations by internationally renowned artists, cementing Leeds’ reputation as a leading destination for sculpture. Opening in May, the programme will include Garth Evans’ The Anti-Virus Sculptures, created during the first Covid lockdown at the artist’s home in Connecticut.
The display, which runs from May 22 to October 4, features more than 30 small-scale plaster works, with visitors invited to help name several sculptures that remain untitled.
He said: “It was a very uncertain time, and we did not know if it would end. I had this fantasy that I could create an army of sculptures that could somehow protect the world or at least protect me. And in a way, they did protect me. They kept me sane, and I am still here.”
Also opening is Arp: The Plasters, celebrating the recent acquisition of a group of plaster sculptures by French-German artist Jean (Hans) Arp. The exhibition reflects Leeds’ continuing commitment to sculpture and highlights the city’s links to some of the most important figures in 20th-century art. It will run until October 4.
Jane Bhoyroo, principal keeper at Leeds Art Gallery said:
“This summer is set to be a hugely exciting time for the gallery and for the arts in Leeds, as we prepare to exhibit work by some of the most innovative and influential sculptors from the 20th century and those working today.
“This striking programme will see the gallery host an entire summer season devoted to sculpture, giving visitors the chance to experience historically innovative work from our world class collection alongside enthralling sculptures by contemporary artists presented in Leeds for the first time.”
The summer programme will also feature UNEARTHING(S) by Hannah Catherine Jones, on show from May 22 to August 30. Commissioned by Yorkshire Contemporary for Leeds Art Gallery, it will be the artist’s first exhibition in her home county and her largest solo presentation to date. Set within the gallery’s Central Court, the exhibition will explore grief, regeneration and identity through immersive sculptural installation.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“Leeds Art Gallery’s reputation as a world-renowned centre for contemporary sculpture continues to grow and prestigious events like this emphasise just how significant the collection there is.
“Most importantly it gives us the opportunity to invite visitors to experience the gallery and city in a new way and to learn more about why Leeds is such a vibrant and exciting cultural destination.”
Rounding off the season is Dinner Party, which opens on June 26 and runs until February 6, 2027. Revisiting a pioneering wartime exhibition staged at Temple Newsam House, it will bring together works by Matthew Smith, Jacob Epstein and contemporary artist Olivia Bax.
Home to one of the UK’s most significant collections of 20th-century British art, Leeds Art Gallery has long been recognised for its strength in sculpture. Its latest programme is expected to be one of its most ambitious summer seasons yet and will help pave the way for wider collaborative celebrations of sculpture across Yorkshire in 2027.
For more details about Leeds Art Gallery and the summer programme, please visit: Leeds Art Gallery | Leeds Museums and Galleries
