University of Leeds students to showcase artistic talents in first campus-wide summer exhibition
Whittled down from almost 300 entries by a team of student interns, the historic campus-wide 'Making Space' exhibition is preparing to launch in Leeds
An exhibition celebrating the artistic talents of students across the University of Leeds is set to open to the public this month.
'Making Space' will be the first art exhibition at the university to be selected entirely from an open call to the whole student community.
Running throughout the summer at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, based in the Parkinson Building on Woodhouse Lane, the showcase features 28 works by 22 student artists.
The exhibition has been entirely co-curated by a team of student interns - Ellie Boyce, Lucy Cameron, Zofia Gmurek and Rosanna Martin – who whittled down the final selection from almost 300 entries.
They worked alongside freelance curator Courtney Spencer to piece the gallery together.
While fine art and design courses are well represented, the exhibition also includes creations from students studying subjects as varied as mechanical engineering, psychology, English literature and politics.
The 28 pieces on display span a wide variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, sound installations and moving images.
Rather than enforcing a strict theme, the student curators chose to let the variety of the work speak for itself. However, shared concepts have naturally emerged across the collection, focusing on nature, identity, domesticity, activism and movement.
Among the student work featured is ‘Electric Sink’ by Bex Blayney and Soil Gazing Bench by Marcus Hills, alongside pieces by Ella Brereton and Molly Newham that take inspiration from northern landscapes.
In a joint statement, the student curation team said: “Respecting the integrity and variety of the submissions, we chose not to impose a theme, but allowed the exhibition to find its own form.
“One of the standout moments was the selection panel itself, where we saw the huge range of work submitted by students across different courses and disciplines. It was a reminder of just how much creativity and talent exists across campus, and what a privilege it is to be able to share some of this with the public.
“We’re really looking forward to the installation process and seeing how the works sit with each other within the gallery space. Most of all, we can’t wait for the launch.”
Courtney added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Ellie, Lucy, Zofia and Rosanna on this project. Each has brought their own strengths, perspectives and areas of expertise to the project, and it has been inspiring to see ideas from their studies translated into curatorial practice.
“The exhibition is stronger because of their collaborative approach, thoughtful discussions and willingness to learn from one another. Selecting 28 works from nearly 300 submissions was no easy task, but the final selection is incredibly strong, ranging from luscious abstraction to hard-hitting activism.
“The exhibition is a wonderful celebration of student creativity, and it highlights the importance of making space for students to traverse the boundaries of academic disciplines.”
An opening launch event will take place at the gallery on June 29 from 5.30pm, featuring refreshments and speeches.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, with the exhibition running until August 29. Admission to the exhibition is free, and no booking is required.