The second of four art installations, created by students from Leeds Arts University has been unveiled in pride of place at 5 Wellington Place.
After an array of impressive competition entries submitted by students across various courses, the judging panel whittled it down to just four successful artists, to showcase their very own creations. The difficult decision was left down to representatives from the companies that occupy 5 Wellington Place, Slav Sedlan of Willis Towers Watson, Harmajinder Hayre of Ward Hadaway and MEPC’s James Dipple. Inspiration for all of the pieces submitted was taken from Leeds and the surrounding county, with entrants using a mixture of artistic techniques.
The second piece to be hung at the expanding Wellington Place development is a skyline of the city created by BA (Hons) Illustration student Janice Leung.
Competition winner Janice Leung, said: “I was shocked when it was announced that my piece would be hung in a public space, it’s a great opportunity to showcase our work. Leeds is such a refreshing city and I hope that I can inspire others to appreciate the beauty and character of the buildings around us, as that’s what makes each city unique.”
“I wanted the piece to focus on details in the skyline that people may not otherwise notice when they walk through the city, particularly with the constant developments that are changing the landscape. The project has confirmed my passion to pursue this as a career.”
The artwork will be followed by a further two pieces from students at Leeds Arts University, and will be displayed on a quarterly basis throughout the year.
Elli Whitefoot, Assistant Careers Employability & Enterprise Manager, Leeds Art University, said: “Our students are hugely talented, with fantastic creative minds and abilities. This has been a great opportunity to showcase our students and for them to feel as though their potential is truly recognised. The brief allowed the artists to have creative freedom and explore a variety of materials and techniques. The feedback from the judging panel about the quality of entries was really positive and so encouraging for everyone who submitted an entry.”
James Dipple, CEO of MEPC also commented: “It’s great that Wellington Place can support other institutions in the city, and help to showcase local talent. We hope this can be a platform from which artists are inspired to pursue this as a career. So far we’ve received some really positive feedback from those that have been lucky enough to see the installation, and I’m confident that the ones to follow will also receive the same reception. Each piece captures something different and it showcases the region in a really great light.”
