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Paintings and drawings by Leah Stewart

This body of work is a personal exploration of interwoven themes of caregiving, motherhood and interiority. Through myriad colours and shifting marks, these works play with the ‘protective shape’ as a recurring motif.

Developed intuitively across multiple canvases, these compositions draw inspiration from forms and patterns observed in the quiet near-dark of her daughter’s room, whilst waiting for her to fall asleep. Familiar domestic objects, such as the folds of a quilt or clothing hanging out of the dressing up basket resurface in the studio, informing the evolving imagery. Other forms emerge too, a flower, a piece of fruit. A handful of shells or stones, a child’s small treasures entrusted to one’s pockets either by pleas or by stealth. These objects that surface in the subconscious merge with biomorphic forms in densely layered compositions. Ovoid shapes nestle together, protected by the structures that hold them. These shapes could be cells, seeds, figures or cosmic eggs, things that are tiny or things that are vast. Stewart’s work explores the sense of holding and being held, of physical embraces as well as the emotional ‘holding’ of feelings necessary as a caregiver. These structures act as vessels, containing vibrant, sometimes chaotic, elements that seem on the verge of overflowing.

Leah Stewart lives and works in Sheffield. Her practice spans painting, drawing, textiles, print and assemblage. She studied at Camberwell College of Arts and the University of Brighton.

Organised by Sebastian Thomas

Exhibition Opening:

9th March 17:00 - 20:00

Opening Times

by appointments

Where to find us

This event is at 571 Oxford Road, Reading. Public transport is available from Reading town center and Reading station if you are visiting from elsewhere.