Ian Kirkpatrick, a Canadian contemporary artist, has recently begun a yearlong residency at Leeds Museums and Galleries. Although he is most famous for the sculptures he was commissioned to create for the 2012 London Olympics, he might also be recognised for having exhibited a number of his works in some of the most notable arts cities across the globe, including; Berlin, London, New York and Montreal. His latest project takes the form of a city-wide sculpture trail appearing in some of Leeds most popular attractions such as the Museum, Trinity, Kirkgate Market and Colours May Vary.
Each of the four sculptures are inspired by different aspects of the First World War and the way in which graphic designers interpreted the conflict at the time. The following are brief descriptions of the works which will be on display for the rest of this month:
BLAST is the first sculpture of the series and is found at Leeds City Museum. Named after the magazine published by the British Vorticists, BLAST encapsulates the romantic view artists and thinkers of the early twentieth held of the war, and echoes their fascination with geometry and metallic structures.
Next in the trail –at Trinity- is Britannia, dedicated to the women of the war. This sculpture is reminiscent of ancient depiction of warrior goddesses like Athena and Nike. Britannia stands on a British Mark V tank and hold in her hand a Barnbow shell which is placed here to commemorate those women who were killed by an explosion in the munition factory on the outskirts of Leeds.
Kirkpatrick’s Kingdom of Dreams is located at the Market. Its name is taken from the poem Sunrise Dreams by Eric Fitzwilliam Wilkinson and it represents the fantastical and fairytale-like image the war was given by many graphic designers in order to promote a positive impression of the conflict amongst the public.
The trail concludes with Enemy of the Stars at the Leeds independent book-store Colours May Vary. This last sculpture really packs an aesthetic punch, showing a dove of peace broken in half and bursting into flames to symbolise how the new, terrifying technologies of the war (such as the Zeppelin) meant that even the skies were no longer a peaceful place.
Kirkpatrick is an exciting new artist and has produced an interesting and thought-provoking series of sculptures in A Graphic War. His use of commercial, everyday materials makes his work accessible and modern. I seriously recommend taking a look whilst starting your Christmas shopping around town this weekend. Leeds Museums and Galleries have provided yet another impressive public exhibition for everyone to enjoy. A Graphic War exhibition closes at the end of this month.
Cameron Tallant
Image: Ian Kirkpatrick/Leeds City Council