Found Cities, Lost Objects Billboard Commissions

Inspired by current exhibition, Found Cities, Lost Objects at Leeds Art Gallery, four Leeds-based artists have been commissioned by Arts Council Collection to create artworks for billboards around the city. The artists are: Becca Blake, Hannaa Hamdache, Alicja Mrozowska and Jioni Warner. These artists were selected from an open call-out to women and gender non-conforming artists in the city. The artists were selected by Lubaina Himid CBE, Alona Pardo (Arts Council Collection) and Holly Grange (Leeds Art Gallery).

You can see these billboards around the city across April and most of May – please see below for a full list of locations under the artists’ statements.

Becca Blake: “‘Moving to Leeds 6 months ago has come with feelings of wonder and fear. My billboard is inspired by the ‘Non-Sexist City’ that Dolores Hayden proposed in 1980, and is brought to life through isometric drawing. It’s exciting to explore the idea of an urban area designed to support the needs and richness of multiple ways of being in the world.”

Hannaa Hamdache: “I’m incredibly excited to be creating one of the billboards for Found Cities, Lost Objects, and to bring the exhibition outside the gallery. My design draws on recontextualising female public sculpture through patterns of place. Originally existing for a merely decorative purpose, my work looks to turn her into a prominent emblem of the city by reclaiming Leeds’ urban landscape that she calls home.”

Alicja Mrozowska: “I’m a Polish artist living and painting in Leeds. With my billboard I’m celebrating our diverse community with artwork focusing on the Polish culture and urban environment. Using vibrant oil and acrylic paint, I’ve highlighted local shops, often overlooked yet essential for fostering togetherness. It’s a joy to showcase our beloved Polski Sklep, and the charm of everyday life.”

Jioni Warner: “Growing up in Leeds presented a mixture of experiences, I encountered both ridicule and sexualization due to my Afro-centric features. Drawing inspiration from this, my billboard artwork focuses on cultural beauty products, transforming past derogatory comments into empowering affirmations. Through challenging societal norms, I aim to contribute to a broader dialogue on identity, representation, and empowerment within the diverse Black community.”

Locations where you can find the billboards:

Street-level 12 sheet locations:

– Swinegate

-Woodhouse Lane

-Wellington Street

-Royal Park

-Brudenell Road

48 sheet large billboard locations:

• Hyde Park Corner (all four designs)
• Copley Railway Bridge Tunnel, Armley
• Corner of Midland Road and Balm Road, Hunslet
• Asda Meadow Lane, Old Red Lion, Beeston [this billboard will be installed week of 22 April]