De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has unveiled a spectacular new gallery space which will show contemporary art and design exhibitions by exciting artists from across the world.
Located in DMU’s landmark Vijay Patel building, the cutting-edge new home to the university’s art and design courses, The Gallery is the largest space of its kind in Leicester.
It provides chances for students and staff to exhibit their work, take part in projects and see the work of world-class artists on campus.
The Gallery also gives members of the public opportunities to take part in a range of cultural experiences, from talks and workshops to behind-the-scenes volunteering.
First to show in The Gallery are internationally-respected artists and twins Simon and Tom Bloor, who are at the forefront of refreshing perceptions of public art and have influenced a new generation of artists working in the public realm.
Their major collection of new work Urban Studies is showing now until Friday 25 November.
The exhibition uses materials traditionally associated with construction sites to create a series of sculptures that playfully recreate an art gallery within the space.
Made of Harris Fencing, the sculptures have been powder-coated to transform them into the ‘walls’ of the gallery, on which large abstract canvas paintings are mounted like graffiti. The collection evokes their previous works in which they have created mazes and labyrinths in public spaces.
The Bloors’ work has been shown widely across the UK and internationally in Rotterdam, GuangZhou and Denver, with recent shows in Whitechapel Gallery, Modern Art Oxford and Glasgow’s Transmission Gallery.
Hugo Worthy, The Gallery’s curator, said: “The Gallery is an extraordinary asset for De Montfort University, for the city and for the arts sector. As the largest space for the display of art and design in Leicester, it provides an opportunity to work with some of the most exciting artists in the world.
“I’m really proud to have worked with artists Simon and Tom Bloor to create a completely new body of work responding directly to the context of The Gallery and the University. The project transforms the mundane urban environment into something filled with wonder and beauty.”
Situated on the ground floor of DMU’s Vijay Patel building, The Gallery has an exciting roster of artists, designers and performers lined up to exhibit during 2017.
This includes Berlin-based DMU alumnus and artist Jonathan Monk, artist and filmmaker Jamie Shovlin, and dancer and choreographer Lucy Suggate.
The Gallery will be open to the public from noon to 5pm on Monday to Friday, from Monday 19 September.
Posted on Tuesday 20 September 2016