Tucked away from the bustle of busy shoppers, the White Cloth Gallery is a surprisingly large exhibition space, nestled behind No.26 Aire Street cocktail bar. Recently opened as a film and photography gallery, its all white walls and stalk minimalism, thus the perfect home for arty exhibitions.
This month, Lithuanian fashion photographer Rokas Darulis brings his editorial shots and personal portraits to the gallery, offering emotion, vulnerability and beauty. Aptly titled ‘Intimacy’, the exhibit, which runs through 18th February, presents beguiling images of youthful faces, some being personal encounters of Darulis’, captured up close and intimately.
Whilst this could have easily been looked over as an elaborate form of his little black book, instead, Darulis manages to capture raw beauty with a heightened sense of emotion, be it vulnerability, happiness or sadness. Noted as his first UK solo exhibition, the collection presents an extensive selection of shots, illustrating his talent and explaining why he’s been a go-to choice for the likes of Wonderland, Elle, TANK and L’Officiel.
To celebrate the launch of the exhibition back in December, White Cloth Gallery put on an exclusive cocktails and canapés event, complete with live DJ set, peach bellinis and gourmet finger food. Guests were treated to an impromptu fashion show with male and female models donning designer wares from the likes of luxe brands Acne, Isabel Marant and The Kooples.
Noted as the only gallery in the north dedicated exclusively to film and photography, the space is definitely worth a visit. Speaking of the event, co-founder of the gallery Peter Dench said: “Our past exhibitions have been very well received and we are confident that Rokas’ masterful collection of private and alluring photographs will be just as successful.” Complete with its own bar and café, WCG plays regular host to an array of evening events and workshops. All arts and photography fans should stay tuned online at www.whiteclothgallery.com
ROKAS Intimacy, runs through 18th February 2013.
White Cloth Gallery,
24- 26 Aire Street,
Leeds,
0113 218 1923
11:30am – 8pm, Monday to Saturday