Photography exhibition: Li Yuan-Chia’s unique photographs at The Whitworth

Previously listed in our Top 5 seasonal North West Art shows, Li Yuan-Chai, the Chinese artist, poet and curator brings this stunning collection of photographs to the suitably peaceful settings of the Whitworth Gallery. Regarded as China’s first conceptual artist, Li Yuan-Chai (1929-1994) was part of progressive art movements in Taiwan, Bologna and London but settled in the most unlikely of places in a house he bought in 1972 from artist Winifred Nicholson in Banks at the far north of Cumbria. The powerful and peaceful photographs on display here are from the tranquil final years of the artist’s life spent in the melancholy beauty of the North West during the quiet of Autumn and Winter. The lyrical images are hand coloured and feature Li Yuan-Chai himself, his sculpture and garden at Banks which are exhibited alongside the artist’s own collection of film cameras. Reflect on the changing of the seasons with the work of one of the most significant Chinese artists of the 20th century in an exhibition which coincides with the Chinese New Year. The show opens on 18 May and continues through till 15 December 2019. Entry is free, and why not take the time and explore the beautiful grounds of the Whitworth’s Art Garden or a spot of brunch in their seasonally inspired cafe.

You can read more from our guide of Top 5 art shows in the region here – which actually features a few work from artists capturing the North West.

Li Yuan-Chia: Unique Photographs, Sat 18 May – Sun 15 Dec 2019, The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER, Tel: 0161 275 7450, FREE,  www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk