How much do you think about sustainability and the impact of your lifestyle on the environment? Through an exhibition of contemporary still life artworks, four artists are asking us to consider our consumer habits and the effects they have on the world around us.

‘Still Life: Things Devouring Time’ had a fantastic special preview evening in The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery on the 20th November. We welcomed over 200 visitors to the special preview evening which included lots of newcomers to the Gallery. The exhibition has been generously supported by Leeds Arts University and it was great opportunity to work with our neighbors developing this display.

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Dr Dawn Woolley introducing the exhibition to visitors in the Parkinson Court

FUAM members (Friends of University Art and Music) were treated to a private view and talk by the exhibition co-curators Dr Katie Herrington and Dr Dawn Woolley (Leeds Arts University). The doors were then open to visitors eagerly waiting outside to get a first look at the work on display.

The exhibition explores the notion of consumerism through the lens of historical and contemporary still life artworks. It features the historic Dutch still life painting ‘Still Life with the Drinking-Horn of the Saint Sebastian Archers’ Guild, Lobster and Glasses’ (c. 1653) by Willem Kalf, on loan from the National Gallery. Alongside this stunning 17th century piece are contemporary works by artists Simon Ward, Dawn Woolley, Caroline McCarthy and Nicole Keeley.

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Visitor looking at Caroline McCarthy’s Humbrol Series on display in the Gallery

From issues to environmental pollution and an overabundance of plastic, to signs created by the homeless which provoke the viewer to consider the morality of consumption, the works on display challenge how and why we buy and use objects and the consequences of our choices.

This exhibition is also stepping out beyond the Gallery walls. Throughout December and January look out for interventions on billboards, big screens and posters around the city. If you spot any share them with us on social media and join the conversation using #StillLifeSABG – we’d love to hear what you think about these challenging works.

‘Still Life: Things Devouring Time’ is on display until 23rd March, 2019. The exhibition is open to all and free to visit in The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery on Mondays 1pm – 5pm and Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.