Afra Eisma: splashdown tender at The Tetley

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Afra Eisma, So are our joy softness and love, 2022. Installation view, Crying until laughing/Sírás nevetésig, Trafó Gallery, Budapest, Hungary, 2022. Courtesy Trafó Gallery and 1646. Photo: Dávid Biró

Afra Eisma: splashdown tender at The Tetley, 23 June — 22 October 2023 Entrance is free — Visit now

The Tetley honours the playful focus of LEEDS 2023’s Year of Culture with a brand new exhibition splashdown tender by Afra Eisma, that focuses on play and darkness in equal measure.

The exhibition includes soft sculptures, sound installations and ceramics. Eisma is a maker in the truest sense of the word, with a preference for hands-on interaction with her materials and methods. You too can really engage with the soft sculptures in the Atrium of the gallery, as visitors are encouraged to sit and rest on, feel and cuddle the central artwork on display.

9. Afra Eisma, Blushy, 2022. Installation view, Crying untillaughing/Sírás nevetésig, Trafó Gallery, Budapest, Hungary, 2022. Courtesy Trafó Gallery and 1646. Photo: Dávid Biró
Afra Eisma, Blushy, 2022. Installation view, Crying until laughing/Sírás nevetésig, Trafó Gallery, Budapest, Hungary, 2022. Courtesy Trafó Gallery and 1646. Photo: Dávid Biró

Eisma’s artistic practice uses play as a central element in both the making process and final result. There is a chaotic aesthetic present in the collections of colourful objects, whether they are wall and floor rugs, ceramic shoes or watercolour sketches in contrasting hues. However, underneath planes of colour, there are darker emotions and hidden depths. You will find a heart-shaped javelin, symbolising our limited energy to tackle challenges while other works conceal anger and discomfort.

The artist’s work at the Tetley takes various social and domestic settings as starting points, such as the Atrium work where you can join an informal catch-up between aliens, and gather around a campfire or relax in a lounge elsewhere in splashdown tender. These familiar settings with unusual characters and additions create a sense of ambiguity between that which is familiar and unexpected.

Afra Eisma, poke press squeeze clasp, 2021. Installationview Kunstinstituut Melly, Rotterdam, 2021. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kristien Daem
Afra Eisma, poke press squeeze clasp, 2021. Installation view Kunstinstituut Melly, Rotterdam, 2021. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Kristien Daem

The Netherlands-based artist studied Fine Arts at the Royal Academy of Arts, the Hague, and Central Saint Martin’s. Her love for using traditional craft techniques makes for very aesthetically pleasing final pieces, such as complex tufted wall hanging and experimental ceramics. As well as creating a generally playful atmosphere in the show as a whole, each piece can be admired individually for its details and individual qualities, from colour combinations to intricate soft sculpture.

splashdown tender includes a programme of events for school children, early years visits and community groups.

Afra Eisma: splashdown tender at The Tetley, 23 June — 22 October 2023 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Afra Eisma: splashdown tender at The Tetley

Leeds Discovery Centre
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Home to over one million fascinating objects, Leeds Discovery Centre offers a richly eclectic window into the natural world and human history.

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Leeds Dock

Leeds Dock is a creative waterside village, home to a vast number of businesses and shops.

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The Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is home to the national collection of arms and armour, set in Leeds Dock, just a short walk from Leeds city centre.

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Sheaf Street Cafeteria

Part of the effortlessly cool Duke Studios, Sheaf Street offers all kinds of interesting food and drink plus events and resident DJs.

Jurys Inn Leeds
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Leonardo Hotel

At the Leonardo Hotel Leeds they aim to make your stay exceptional. It starts as soon as you step inside the hotel, from the welcoming bar atmosphere and comfortable Costa Coffee lounge, to the relaxed quality of their restaurant.

The Tetley Bar and Kitchen
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The Tetley Bar and Kitchen is a British restaurant based in the heart of Leeds, where all proceeds go towards supporting the venue’s artistic programme.

The Adelphi Leeds
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The Adelphi Leeds

Old Victorian pub, decked out with wood panelling and old tiling, specialising in real ale and quality pub food.

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Salem Chapel, Leeds

Salem Chapel is a multipurpose venue for conferences, exhibitions, meetings and training days in Leeds. 

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Leeds Minster

Leeds Minster is a building rich in history and heritage. Explore the space, light a votive candle or listen to the famous organ when you visit.

Riveresque Cafe Leeds
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Riveresque

Riveresque is a laid-back riverside café in the heart of Leeds.

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Clayton Hotel

Modern and family-friendly hotel in the centre of Leeds, complete with classy restaurant and in-house fitness rooms.

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