Object of the week- Wheelchair artworks

Colourful new artwork has gone on display in Leeds aimed at challenging people’s perception of wheelchairs.

The eye-catching creations at Leeds City Museum feature two wheelchairs decorated by Broomfield South Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre, Green Meadows Specialist School and West Oaks Specialist School students in association with Can Do Programme and artist Sally Barker.

The first wheelchair is a futuristic creation influenced by hot rod cars and Hollywood blockbuster Mad Max Fury Road. It looks to confront the idea that wheelchairs are boring or static.

Students worked to bring the chair to life with the use of bright colours and also added some macabre clay faces.

Their second creation was influenced by Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival and the work of artist Frida Kahlo.

The colours within the piece represent the skirts of the Mexican dancers from the festival alongside masks like those that feature in the famous celebration.

The artwork has gone on display as part of the museum’s innovative Window Frame art project, which gives young people’s groups and community groups based in Yorkshire the chance to exhibit their artwork in the two window frames at the entrance to Leeds City Museum.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “These dynamic, eye-catching creations really challenge the way we look at wheelchairs and give us an unconventional new perspective.

“It’s fantastic that the museum is giving creative, imaginative artwork like this such an innovative and prominent display space and I look forward to seeing work by more local artists going on display in future.”

More information on the project including how to apply to exhibit your work can be found at: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/leedscitymuseum/Window-Frame-Project.aspx

The Can Do programme is a volunteering programme for disabled people aged 16-35 which offers support, information and training.

ENDS