Leeds Art Gallery is unveiling two exciting exhibitions on November 8: “Eternal Return,” featuring the innovative films of Stuart Croft, and “Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths,” showcasing new portraits by acclaimed artist Curtis Holder. Both exhibitions celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Leeds and are free for everyone to enjoy.
What new exhibitions are coming to Leeds Art Gallery?
Leeds Art Gallery is set to showcase two exhibitions starting November 8. The “Eternal Return” features experimental filmmaker Stuart Croft’s works, while “Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths” presents new works by Curtis Holder, celebrated graphite and colored pencil artist. Both exhibitions celebrate Leeds’ cultural heritage and are free to the public.
Leeds Art Gallery: A Nexus of Visual Innovation
In the heart of Leeds, the Leeds Art Gallery stands as a beacon of culture and history. This institution, renowned for its impressive collection and engaging exhibitions, is once again the talk of the town. With the introduction of two distinct artists connected to Leeds, the gallery is set to display their groundbreaking works. Starting November 8, the gallery invites the public to immerse themselves in the artistry of Stuart Croft and Curtis Holder. The former, an artist-filmmaker with deep roots in the city, will be celebrated in the exhibition titled “Eternal Return.” Croft’s works are known for their playful subversion of genre conventions and for igniting thought-provoking dialogues among audiences worldwide.
The “Eternal Return” exhibition offers an invitation to an immersive experience through four distinct spaces, each housing a looping film with no clear start or finish. This format reflects Croft’s experimental approach to filmmaking. Moreover, the exhibition proudly premieres “Remetior,” a work completed after the artist’s untimely death, honoring his legacy and vision. In collaboration with the Stuart Croft Foundation, the exhibition coincides with the Leeds International Film Festival 2024, which will also pay homage to Croft by showcasing films that influenced his work.
Jane Bhoyroo, the principal keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, expressed her anticipation: “We are thrilled to present Stuart Croft’s films in his home city. We have dramatically transformed the galleries to present his highly original work in this major exhibition.” The Stuart Croft Foundation echoed this sentiment, “We are proud to have helped [Leeds Art Gallery] in bringing Stuart home to Leeds.”
Celebrating the Artistic Journey of Curtis Holder
Complementing the cinematic world of Stuart Croft, Leeds Art Gallery opens its doors to “Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths,” an exhibition featuring new works by Curtis Holder. Known for his dynamic use of graphite and colored pencil on paper, Holder has garnered acclaim, not least for winning Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2020. His exhibition at the gallery is the fruition of his time as Artist-In-Residence, where he engaged in intimate dialogues with individuals deeply connected to Leeds. The result is eight large-scale portraits, each a narrative of the sitter’s story and their relationship with the city.
Holder’s portraits will be thoughtfully displayed alongside selected pieces from the gallery’s own collection, pieces that resonate with the emotions and histories of the featured individuals. This interaction between the new and the historical highlights the gallery’s commitment to representing works by Global Majority artists and addressing racial injustices. Jane Bhoyroo remarked, “It has been wonderful to work with Curtis and deepen relationships with people from our local community and develop a richer understanding of our collection.”
A Reflection of Leeds’ Artistic Heritage and Diversity
Councillor Salma Arif, representing Leeds City Council, shared her enthusiasm for the exhibitions, recognizing the importance of showcasing artworks that reflect the city’s artistic diversity and heritage. The exhibitions are not merely displays of individual talent but are also celebrations of the city’s vibrant culture. Leeds Art Gallery, by hosting these exhibitions, reaffirms its role in nurturing and presenting the arts, providing a space where dialogue, reflection, and appreciation can flourish.
Stuart Croft: Eternal Return and Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths: Curtis Holder are set to captivate audiences with their unique perspectives on art and storytelling. These exhibitions are free to the public and will run from Friday, 8 November at Leeds Art Gallery. For more information and to plan your visit, please explore Leeds Art Gallery.
For media enquiries, please contact the Leeds City Council communications and marketing team at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or by calling 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds Art Gallery is unveiling two new exhibitions on November 8: “Eternal Return” by Stuart Croft and “Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths” by Curtis Holder.
- The “Eternal Return” exhibition features experimental films by Stuart Croft, showcasing his innovative approach to filmmaking.
- Curtis Holder’s exhibition, “Silent Echoes, Spoken Truths,” includes eight large-scale portraits that narrate the stories of individuals connected to Leeds.
- Both exhibitions celebrate Leeds’ cultural heritage and are free to the public, reaffirming the gallery’s commitment to the arts and community engagement.
- The exhibitions will run concurrently with the Leeds International Film Festival 2024, which includes films that influenced Stuart Croft’s work.