A 250m long mural depicting abstract elements and colour composition is close to completion on a key route into the city centre from south Leeds.
The design of the mural is inspired by the weaving heritage of Leeds, abstract geometry and site specific shapes and symbols. When completed the artwork will be the longest piece of abstract art in the UK.
Artist Kasia Breska was commissioned by Leeds City Council as part of bringing to life the long stretch of hoarding on Bath Road and providing a fresher, more colourful route into the South Bank and city centre from Holbeck.
The project started in 2018 when Kasia visited two primary schools – St Luke’s and Lane End, to host three creative workshops that explored the subject of Leeds’s weaving heritage, geometric shapes and site specific symbols.
Using the young people’s drawings, the artist created a catalogue with dozens of variations that now make up the composition of the mural.
The mural, which is just under 60m short of being completed has been painted using 13 different colours, and with paint from Seagulls, a paint reuse social enterprise based in Leeds.
Kasia Breska said:
“I have hugely enjoyed working with the young people at two local primary schools and transforming some of their ideas into the mural on Bath Road.
“Once completed, it will be the largest mural outside London and is an example that highlights the importance of interaction of people and space and the importance of identity within the space.
“It is a creative example of using the past and the heritage of the location to create something new, bringing new perceptions whilst remembering the old ones.”
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“The new mural on Bath Road is fantastic and a welcome colourful addition to the standard hoarding around the currently derelict site.
“Using art to bring areas and key routes into the city centre to life is a great way of opening up and reviving links to our communities close to the city centre, but also displaying some truly eye-catching and brilliantly visual pieces from talented local artists.
“For young people to see their ideas brought to life in this huge stretch of art is a great way to bring a real sense of ownership and pride in their community.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
