Exhibition Launch - Sarah Roberts: SICK

Spanning both our Galleries for the first time, join us for the launch of our latest exhibition ‘SICK’.

Take a first look at a newly commissioned body of work by Leeds-based artist Sarah Roberts at this special evening event. We'll have both galleries open for you to explore. Step into the artist's childhood and her creative process in this artistic reflection on environments of care in two parts. 

The galleries will be open from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Lucky Iris will be DJing exhibition-inspired music from 5.30pm. Speeches will be at 6pm. Refreshments provided. 

At The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, ‘SICK (a note from 40 Sandilands Road and other stories)’ invites visitors into an immersive installation, taking over the temporary exhibition space. The installation reflects on the everyday situations lived by a sick person and their family. It draws on the artist's own experiences of growing up as a young carer. In pastel colours and a variety of media, 'SICK' explores the strange hybrid of hospital and home settings blurring. 

Over in Treasures of the Brotherton, ‘SICK TOO’ features a selection of objects from the University of Leeds' Cultural Collections. This display uncovers the creative process behind ‘SICK’ in the artist's own words. The objects were part of research conducted during a six-month residency at the University of Leeds in 2024. Co-curated by Roberts, the selection is anchored by the artist's lived experience. Alongside each item, Roberts reflects on her encounter with the object and its significance to her work.  

Please note that this exhibition deals with themes that some people may find difficult, such as illness, chronic and palliative care, and grief. If you feel you need further support when visiting the exhibition, please see the list of resources available online here. There are also further resources available in the gallery. 

Supported by the Henry Moore Foundation.