Journeys and stories shared at University of Bradford art exhibition

The works of different local artists were showcased at the University of Bradford in front of esteemed guests.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, and Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung , the incoming Mayor of Leeds, were among those who gave a speech on the day.

Cllr Katung, the first elected African at Leeds City Council, shared stories from her younger life as an international student in West Yorkshire.

Cllr Katung, pictured during her speech (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Artistic director Rotimi Olorunfemi said: “My role is to broaden the connection between the university and the community. As the artistic director for this event I thought it was to get the university open to local artists to remove the imaginary fence around the university. 

A lot of people go through stuff and feel their stories in different ways. Some use art. Some of the artworks the artists painted a situation they were facing and how they overcame that part of their life.

"Another person painted something about ‘joy comes in the morning’, there’s always hope tomorrow.

“We had the incoming mayor elect from Leeds who shared a personal journey of being an international student. It was really amazing. 

“No one can tell your story better than yourself. It was amazing. They were really grateful as they just paint at home and don’t have anywhere to showcase what they’re doing. They were heard, seen and valued and appreciated, giving them that platform. We gave out prizes. It was really rewarding for them that people appreciate art and see what they’re doing.”

Artists featured include Peter J. Hodgson, Camelia Calarasiu, Nithiya Sivaraman, Zaynab Sabri, Oyedotun Oyesomi, Olamide Jasanya, and Josa Osa-Oni.

The university and artists have teamed up and will be raising charity funds by selling the artworks.

The prizes were chosen by judges Michael AllHouse, Arthur Williams, Shabina Aslam and Jack Massie.

“If people are interested in getting some of these beautiful artworks they’re up for sale,” said Rotimi, who is also the Student Union’s Community and Activities Officer.

Councillor Barker, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, pictured (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

The exhibition was organised alongside Oyedotun Oyesomi, Grant Uzoanya, Manvita Manjunath, and Alastair Bill Veigas. 

Speaking about the power of each art piece, Rotimi said: “People don’t really know you if they don’t know your story. It’s so easy for people to judge without knowing where they’re coming from.

“You can become anything you want to become.”