The ‘art advent’ at Leeds Art Gallery is an innovative event where a treasured artwork from the gallery’s collection is revealed daily, echoing an advent calendar. It allows staff to share personal stories about the pieces and invites the public to engage intimately with the art, both in person and on Instagram, throughout December leading up to Christmas. Visitors can explore a diverse range of artworks by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Bridget Riley, Paul Nash, and Andy Goldsworthy, celebrating the rich tapestry of Leeds’ artistic heritage.
What is the ‘art advent’ at Leeds Art Gallery?
The ‘art advent’ at Leeds Art Gallery is an innovative event where a treasured artwork from the gallery’s collection is revealed daily, echoing an advent calendar. It allows staff to share personal stories about the pieces and invites the public to engage intimately with the art, both in person and on Instagram, throughout December leading up to Christmas.
A Unique Advent Experience at Leeds Art Gallery
The Leeds Art Gallery has initiated an innovative approach to blending the festive spirit with artistic appreciation. As December commences, the gallery has begun to share a series of treasured artworks from its collection in what they describe as an “art advent.” This unique event features a daily reveal of a cherished piece, each with a personal story from the gallery’s team. The event echoes the tradition of an advent calendar, creating anticipation and excitement as a new artwork is showcased each day, leading up to Christmas.
The exhibition started off with ‘Boar Lane, Leeds’ by the renowned local artist John Atkinson Grimshaw. A gallery visitor assistant, responsible for selecting this particular piece, expressed their admiration, stating: “This painting exudes the cold, wet and darkness of the winter, combined with the wonder and promise of light and hope, through the twinkling coloured lights. The magic of light.” This sentiment captures the essence of what makes the ‘art advent’ so personal and engaging.
With each new day at noon, another work is revealed by a different team member, and this happens both in person and on the gallery’s Instagram page. This method not only provides a platform for the staff to convey their connection to the artworks but also enables the public to engage with the pieces in a more intimate and meaningful way.
A Tapestry of Artistic Delight
The gallery team, comprising individuals from various roles, has selected a diverse array of artworks. These include pieces by illustrious artists such as Auguste Rodin, Bridget Riley, Paul Nash, and Andy Goldsworthy. The inclusion of contemporary artists alongside historic figures reflects the breadth of the gallery’s collection and the multifaceted nature of Leeds’ cultural heritage. Such an eclectic mix guarantees that visitors and followers of the gallery will encounter a wide range of artistic styles and narratives throughout the month.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, serving as Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture, and education, remarked on the significance of the event: “Some of these artworks have a very special place in the history of Leeds and are part of the city’s cultural heritage whilst others showcase the remarkable talents of contemporary artists.” His statement underscores the dual celebration of the city’s artistic lineage and its present-day creativity.
Pryor further added, “It’s always great for the people of Leeds to have new ways to discover and engage with the beautiful collection at Leeds Art Gallery.” This sentiment is a testament to the gallery’s commitment to fostering a strong relationship with the community by continuously finding innovative ways to make art accessible and relevant to the public.
Visiting the Exhibition
The ‘art advent’ is not just an online event; it extends a warm invitation to the community to visit and experience the exhibition in person. Titled “A Seasonal Cornucopia,” the selection is carefully curated by members of the Leeds Museums and Galleries team and is open to the public until January 2nd. The best part is that it’s free to attend, making it an inclusive experience for all.
The gallery’s choice to allow its own team to curate the exhibition not only brings a personal touch to the advent calendar but also celebrates the expertise and passion of the staff. As visitors walk through the exhibition, they are not just seeing a collection of art; they are embarking on a journey through the personal narratives that connect the team to these works.
For those wishing to plan their visit or to learn more about the Leeds Art Gallery and its collections, further details are available on the Leeds Art Gallery – Leeds Museums & Galleries official website. Whether you’re a lifelong art aficionado or someone looking for a fresh way to immerse yourself in the arts this holiday season, the ‘art advent’ is a perfect opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Leeds’ artistic offerings.
Leeds Art Gallery invites both locals and visitors alike to embrace the season through this unique artistic lens. Each day presents a new opportunity to uncover stories, admire beauty, and celebrate the history and future of art in Leeds. From historical to contemporary, from the abstract to the hyper-realistic, the ‘art advent’ exhibition promises to be a source of inspiration and joy during this festive time of the year.
- The ‘art advent’ at Leeds Art Gallery is an innovative event where a treasured artwork from the gallery’s collection is revealed daily, echoing an advent calendar.
- Visitors can engage intimately with the art both in person and on Instagram throughout December leading up to Christmas.
- The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Bridget Riley, Paul Nash, and Andy Goldsworthy.
- The event celebrates the rich tapestry of Leeds’ artistic heritage and showcases both historic and contemporary artists.
- The exhibition is open to the public until January 2nd and is free to attend.