A Leeds-based art exhibition showcasing the work of 38 Yorkshire-based or born artists is currently open for its 10th edition.
Sunny Bank Mills’ ‘Ones To Watch’ exhibit displays a range of multi-media art forms made by up-and-coming artists. This includes textile work, lighting, video, sculpture, photography and archival materials.
Following a successful launch weekend, the exhibit will now be open in the Sunny Bank Mills gallery space in Farsley, Leeds, until April 30. The gallery is inside a disused textiles mill and was regenerated in a masterplan agreed upon with Leeds City Council.
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Students, graduates and other young independent artists, who either studied or lived in Yorkshire, were invited to apply earlier this year. The exhibit had over 100 applicants, but 38 talented individuals were chosen to have their work displayed for the 10th Ones To Watch.
The artists presented include students and graduates who studied at Yorkshire-based institutions including Leeds Arts University, Sheffield Hallam University, and the University of Sheffield.
William Gaunt, Joint Managing Director of Sunny Bank Mills, said the gallery was created through a “DIY effort and ethos” out of a need for more spaces to platform independent artists in Yorkshire. The Ones To Watch idea was born out of a desire to give up-and-coming artists space to show their work, and to highlight the best of local talent.
LeedsLive spoke to some of the artists who have their work exhibited.
Alice Chen
University of Leeds student Alice Chen ’s work titled ‘Have You Eaten?’ is a charcoal animation project that depicts a meal with her 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 times 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 gift I could ask for,” she said. "Since this is my first time ever exhibiting outside of uni, it's super exciting to not only get my work out there but also to engage with so many other talented people.”
Jack Osmond
Likewise , Leeds Arts University’s Jack Osmond had never had his work displayed before.
“I’ve not had my work exhibited at a gallery before, and so it’s been special to be a part of this event,” he said.
Mr Osmond’s work ‘French Windows’ is a music video that explores the changing 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 mix of stop-motion animation, collagraph printing, letter pressing and live-action techniques.
Abi Charlesworth
Abi Charlesworth , who was born and grew up in North Yorkshire, has three pieces displayed at Ones To Watch. ‘Sink’, ‘Dog Leg’ and ‘Level Crossings’ are each made with unique mediums including concrete, plaster, pigment, MDF and flexi ply.
Ms Charlesworth found the opportunity to exhibit through Instagram and has recently started a Master of Fine Art (MFA) at the Glasgow School of Art.
She said: “The experience of the Ones To Watch show so far has been great - it's such a nice space and the staff are really lovely and supportive. It felt like great timing to bridge the works from before and the start of my MFA together.”
“It’s lovely to have my work back in the Leeds area since my Foundation and to see the work of other Yorkshire emerging artists.”
Innes Thomson
Sheffield Hallam graduate Innes Thomson ’s textile work ‘ANCESTOR’ is inspired by the Pict tribe that lived on the hill behind her Scottish home village. It uses unconventional textiles and explores cultural identity and heritage.
She had found the exhibition through another Instagram account a few days before the application closed.
Ms Thomson said: “It was a manic application but it sounded like a really fun opportunity. I was expecting good things but it's really exceeded all that in every kind of way.
"Everyone at the gallery was so supportive of my work and excited about the exhibition which made for a positive buzz. I'm so proud of the final result and the other artists. It's a really strong show and it's come together beautifully.”
The full 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 (Bearsuit), 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 until April 30 at Sunny Bank Mills. Find out more about the exhibit online here .
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