… a playful confluence of elements is core to Leonard’s practice. Vessels formed from clay have a history almost as long as human existence and are a deeply familiar concept. Yet Leonard’s vessels are anything but conventional. They startle and delight the viewer in their unexpectedness. We are lured into wanting to touch their dripping surfaces to see if they are wet, or if the bulbous rounds are soft (they are in fact the opposite).
Virginia Leonards’ practice is intrinsically linked to the state of her body. It hasn’t always been an easy one to live in—injuries from a serious accident in her youth have meant a lifetime of chronic pain, operations and bodily scarring, with the latest procedure being a knee replacement. It was the incredible support from her long-term partner, Olly, during this recent recovery that has led her to dedicating this exhibition to him, The Wedding Breakfast An Ode to Olly.
This exhibition is on view at Gow Langsford Auckland City.
