Plant Dreaming, which launched today 14 November, brings together striking works by local, national and international contemporary artists, inviting visitors to rethink humanity’s relationship with the living environment at a time of intensifying climate concern.
The exhibition showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines, including textile installations, ceramics, film, photography and drawing, with contributions from Emma Talbot, Noémie Goudal, Yan Wang Preston, SHARP, Jane Lawson, Aliyah Hussain and Charmaine Watkiss.
At its heart, Plant Dreaming asks audiences to consider what humans might learn from the resilience, adaptability and interconnectedness of plant life, rather than viewing nature primarily as a resource to be harvested or controlled.
The exhibition also presents perspectives rooted in migration, climate change and identity.
One of the featured installations, created by Calder Valley–based artist Aliyah Hussain, draws parallels between flooding in West Yorkshire and the environmental impact of Pakistan’s Mangla Dam, using personal and collective memory to connect landscapes across continents.
Yan Wang Preston’s contribution focuses on the rhododendron ponticum, a plant considered invasive in the UK but valued in its native China, prompting questions about cultural identity, belonging and how value is assigned to nature.
Yorkshire-born artist SHARP reflects on growing up in Bradford during the Section 28 era, with photographic works that examine the tension between personal identity and environmental surroundings. Meanwhile, Jane Lawson imagines a post-crisis future in her large-scale textile pieces.
Emma Talbot’s silk paintings highlight the medicinal history of plants, and Charmaine Watkiss’ drawings explore intergenerational knowledge rooted in Caribbean botanical traditions.
Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said the exhibition represents an important moment for the gallery.
“We are thrilled to feature enthralling artworks by artists connected with Yorkshire and the North of England, together with internationally renowned artists,” she said. “This cross-disciplinary show reimagines our relationship with the living world and draws on the breadth of our outstanding collections.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, added:
“These beautiful depictions of the natural world encapsulate the unique power nature has to inspire creativity, alongside reminding us of our responsibility in protecting the planet.”
Plant Dreaming runs alongside the exhibition Don’t Let’s Ask for the Moon…: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw, celebrating moonlit works by the acclaimed Leeds artist.
Plant Dreaming runs until 19 April 2026. Leeds Art Gallery operates on a “Give What You Can” entry basis.
