(Above) Adam, by Sir Jacob Epstein, was selected by Sonia Boyce for Twenty-One
Exhibition: Twenty-One, Terrace Gallery, Harewood House, Leeds, until September 19 2010
In 1989, the Terrace Gallery became the first dedicated contemporary art space to be set up within a country house. To mark its 21st birthday, 21 artists have been invited to respond to the collections.
Finden's Portraits, selected by Eleanor Moreton
Diane Howse, the artist who launched the gallery all those years ago with a selection of paintings, prints and sculptures in aid of Survival International, has co-curated this show. "I find it hard to believe that 21 years have passed since the Terrace Gallery opened," she says. "When I look back on the 65 exhibitions we have shown since then it is easy to see where the time has gone."
(Above) Kate Davis, Opera Glasses, Willow Tree, Willow Branch new work by Kate Davis
The 250-year-old House has sparked a trend for art in unusual settings. "It is heartening to see how the situation has changed over the years," reflects Howse, praising the "phenomenal rise in popularity of contemporary art in the UK."
Mechanical Songbird, selected by Neeta Madahar
Royal Academian Norman Ackroyd, veteran painter Maurice Cockrill, futuristic cut-and-paster Leo Fitzmaurice and digital innovator Susan Collins are among the names taking part. "The invitation to artists was very open, so I had little idea of what to expect," admits Howse.
(Above) The Graveyard, All Saints Church, selected by Peter Mitchell
The squad follow a lineage inspired by the House which includes JMW Turner and Sir Joshua Reynolds. "We have invited artists to work with the collections, the House and the grounds, focusing on elements which have a particular resonance or fascination for them," says Howse.
"Harewood has inspired many people over the course of its history and Twenty-One will present a very new interpretation of all that is here."
Images: Jonty Wilde
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