Visual Arts

The "Wunderkammer" show is a culmination art work of the BA Fine Art Degree show, that is open to the general public, and entry is free. This year, the show has been specifically curated for public enjoyment, diverse in discipline. Running alongside the show will be a symposium of free and open lectures and talks from academics and artists to make the art more accessible.

On Thursday 5 June 2008, 46 emerging artists will go underground into the subterranean passages beneath the University of Leeds. Here they have created a maze of cabinets and boxes for viewers to navigate, leading into a sculptural garden of bizarre installations.

'Bearded Man' by Ki Young

The show takes its name from the antiquated notion of a 'cabinet of curiosity', presented in a contemporary context. The symposium of talks and lectures will take place at the same location on Monday 9 June 2008. The day will include talks by prominent academics including Ben Read and Vanalyn Green on the subject of collections, a talk by the curators of the show, and a presentation and discussion by the artists. This will be a chance for the public to engage with the artists and ask any questions they may have.

The exhibition aims to offer something for everyone; from video installations to hand made books, from obscene crochet to decaying fingernails via a climbing frame! The preview on Thursday 5 June will play host to performances and live installation work, and first and foremost a chance to meet the next generation of promising young artists from the north of England.

The original Wunderkammer is historically known for being one of the first types of gallery or museum. Its direct translation is ‘a cabinet of wonders’ close to the English concept of a ‘cabinet of curiosity’ and was very popular throughout Northern Europe in Renaissance times.

Unlike most degree shows, "‘Wunderkammer 2008" is weighted to explore this antiquated concept in a contemporary concept. The 50% Art History and 50% Fine Art structure of the degree course, gives the work of these students a particular academic edge.

Wunderkammer 2008 - University of Leeds Fine Art Degree Show is available for public viewing from Thursday 5 June – Wednesday 11 June 2008 in the Parkinson Building on Woodhouse Lane.

Thursday 5 June 2008: Preview 6pm - 9.30pm
Monday 9 June: Symposium 1pm - 6pm