"Sardines" showcases the works of 43 emerging artists from the University of Leeds, celebrating the diverse talents nurtured in their shared studio spaces. This student-curated exhibition features a wide range of mediums and styles, from provocative paintings to immersive installations. The artworks explore themes such as satire, protest, femininity, identity, and more, reflecting the concerns and interests of this generation of artists.

Among the featured works are two pieces by myself: "The Artist" and "The Studio." "The Artist" is an oil painting that delves into self-portraiture and the complexities of self-representation and identity. This work confronts the inherent biases and preconceptions an artist brings to the depiction of the self, and further reflects on the my preference to rely solely on myself as both subject and creator. Complementing this piece, "The Studio" offers audiences a glimpse into the artist's creative space, showcasing tools like a muller and glass slab used for making handcrafted paints. Together, these works provide insight into both the final product and the meticulous process behind it.

"Sardines" offers insight into how these young creatives have thrived in collaborative environments and developed their unique artistic voices. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the future of art, revealing the paths these artists are taking from their shared experiences as students to the broader art world beyond university.

If you wish to know more about SARDINES, check out these articles about the process of setting up the exhibition, the opening night and the exhibition’s ending.