Yorkshire Sculpture Park presents Obumu (Unity), an exhibition of new sculptures by Leilah Babirye  created specifically for the YSP, largely from materials found onsite. In the summer of 2023, Babirye made a clan of seven larger-than-life-size figures in wood and five coloured ceramics. The seven sculptures were carved using a chainsaw and chisel from local trees that had reached the end of their lifespan. Babirye is guided by the material itself, carving, refining and sanding the wood, before burning its surface into a deep black. The final stage is one Babirye calls ‘taking the girls to the salon,’ in which found elements complete the sculptures, including bicycle chains, nails and copper from a dismantled boiler, as well as redundant stainless steel teapots. The artist’s five large ceramic portrait-sculptures are also on view, created from coiled clay and boldly shaped into fundamental forms.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

We are delighted to announce Leilah Babirye’s participation in the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia curated by Adriano Pedrosa.