Play that explores the first months of the First World War

by Jon Cronshaw Northern Broadsides are set to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War with Deborah McAndrew’s moving new play An August Bank Holiday Lark. Directed by Barrie Rutter, the new production will be staged at Viaduct Theatre, Halifax, from March 11 to 15 as part of national tour. Taking … Continue reading →

Alfred Drury and the New Sculpture – the statues on Leeds City Square

by Jon Cronshaw The art of Alfred Drury is currently on display at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery. Jon Cronshaw looks back at one of Drury’s most important sculptural projects – his eight female lamp bearers on Leeds City Square. Known for his elaborate public sculptures, Alfred Drury’s work can be seen in public … Continue reading →

Interview with Tom Price at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

by Jon Cronshaw He’s notorious for licking a gallery wall till his tongue bled. Now, artist Tom Price creates sculptures of everyday black men that are deliberately unheroic. In 2001, Tom Price tried to cover an entire gallery with his saliva over a three-day period. But in the first hour, his tongue began to bleed … Continue reading →

Celebrating 20 years: Highlights of 2013 at East Street Arts

With 2014 almost upon us, Leeds Art Scene invited East Street Arts to share its highlights of the past year. 2013 has been a busy one at East Street Arts. It marked the 20th anniversary of the organisation, which was set up by Jon Wakeman and Karen Watson at East Street Mills in 1993. To … Continue reading →

Senses and Sculpture: Highlights of 2013 at the Henry Moore Institute

With 2013 coming to an end, Leeds Art Scene invited the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, to share its highlights of the past year. This year’s program at the Henry Moore Institute has not only been a spectacular treat for the eyes, but for all the senses. At the beginning of 2013, visitors saw the first … Continue reading →

Mind your language – artists and the media

by Jon Cronshaw Why do some artists receive good media coverage while others are completely ignored? Jon Cronshaw explains why getting coverage in the press has nothing to do with talent or quality. Artists often complain that their work is overlooked or ignored by the mainstream media – there is a very simple reason for … Continue reading →

Behind the mask of Mr Faceless – Lee Coleman at Art’s Cafe

by Jon Cronshaw Scunthorpe-based artist Lee Coleman has channelled his responses to his challenging day job into his work. Jon Cronshaw spoke to him. Best known for his trademark character Mr Faceless, Lee Coleman’s latest exhibition at Art’s Cafe, Leeds, is a fascinating one man show that displays a thought-provoking series of images. Lee Coleman … Continue reading →

An interview with Amar Kanwar at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

by Jon Cronshaw The work of one of India’s leading artists and film-makers is on display at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Jon Cronshaw met Amar Kanwar. There have been few exhibitions in recent memory as moving as Amar Kanwar’s The Sovereign Forest + Other Stories currently on display at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The exhibition reveals … Continue reading →

Dana Schutz at The Hepworth – an interview with the artist

by Jon Cronshaw. The walls of The Hepworth Wakefield have been brought to life by the colourful paintings of acclaimed US artist Dana Schutz. Jon Cronshaw met her. One of the brightest hopes for the future of American painting, Dana Schutz, has finally made it to Yorkshire from her home in Brooklyn, New York, for … Continue reading →

Preview: Leeds International Film Festival

by Jon Cronshaw Yorkshire’s film fans are a lucky bunch. With a great selection of independent cinemas and film festivals across the region, and of course the National media museum on our doorstep, there’s plenty to keep even the most discerning film buffs interested. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Yorkshire’s ilm calendar is … Continue reading →