Beyond the Surface

This exhibition presents works by a group of second year fine art students from the University of Leeds.

This collection offers insight into the works being made by second year fine artists exploring the depth of human experience within wider rhythms of nature and life as we experience it.

The body, becomes a relational subject shaped by external and psychological forces. Feeling, gestures and embodiment become alternative forms of unspoken communication.

Beyond the Surface features a variety of styles, from traditional figurations to semi-abstract painting. Collectively, the works interrogate how feelings are communicated beyond spoken language, the works become a tool for recognising our universal connection through complex emotional realities.

It invites us to look beyond, to reflect on contemporary notions of selfhood.

Artists

Paulina Legun
Kim Pollen
Gigi Simon
Eliza Blackburn

Follow Beyond the Surface on Instagram @beyondthesurface_official

Venue

Hyde Park Book Club
27-29 Headingley Lane
Headingley
Leeds LS6 1BL

More information

Beyond the Surface is one of a number of level 2 student exhibitions and projects taking place across Leeds this April and May as part of pitch: Fine Art Festival of Art 2026. 

See the full programme of projects and exhibitions.

pitch: Fine Art Festival of Art 2026 is also part of Situation Leeds Festival, happening across May and June 2026, celebrating contemporary art in the public realm. Situation Leeds is supported by Yorkshire Visual Arts Network and Hyde Park Book Club.

Image

Film still by Luca Bryant. Image courtesy of the artist.