At the end of 2018, I was shortlisted for a really exciting project for the City of Leeds. A Feminist Public Sculpture to champion the achievements and recognition of women in the City of Leeds to be cited outside Leeds Playhouse.
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to the unveiling of my proposal. A sculpture that will celebrate the life of the pioneering scientist Kathleen Lonsdale. Whilst at the University of Leeds, she proved that benzene is a flat molecule. I can’t wait to share with you the fascinating life of this quaker, pacifist, prison reformer, maker of diamonds, professor, president of various scientific bodies, mother of three children and inspiration to women in science.
My sculpture represents the benzene molecule and is also a celebration of the complex nature of women’s lives. It is an exciting fusion of my molecular and rammed earth art practices, and also includes an audio element through a collaboration with the very talented Zing Tsjeng (author of the Forgotten Women book series and executive editor of Vice UK)
The commission is a fantastic project conceived by Rachel Reeves (MP Leeds West) and project-managed by Leeds Arts University in collaboration with Leeds City Council. Its aim is a more balanced gender representation of public sculptures in Leeds.
The exhibition will include the maquettes and work of the four shortlisted artists. Images above (from left to right): Briony Marshall, Pippa Hale, Wendy Briggs, Zsófia Jakab. (All images courtesy of the artists). It will also include work that contextualises the conversation nationally.
You can see all the shortlisted artist and their maquettes on the Leeds Art School website.
I realise it might be far for some of you, but it would be lovely to see you if you can make it. Do let me know if you are coming.
You can see the press coverage I received in my press & media section.
