Night Lights

Leah Stewart presents a personal exploration of interwoven themes of caregiving, motherhood, and interiority through painting and drawing. Through a rich palette and shifting marks, these paintings evolve with the ‘protective shape’ as a recurring motif, evoking a sense of shelter and containment.

Developed intuitively across multiple canvases, these compositions draw inspiration from quiet moments in the near-dark of her daughter’s room, waiting for her to fall asleep. Familiar domestic objects - folds of a quilt, clothing spilling from the dressing-up basket - resurface in the studio, subtly informing the evolving imagery. Other forms emerge too: a flower, a piece of fruit, a handful of shells or stones - small treasures entrusted to a pocket, whether by plea or stealth. These objects, surfacing from memory and the subconscious, merge with biomorphic forms in densely layered compositions. Ovoid shapes nestle together, protected within enclosing structures. They could be cells, seeds, figures, or cosmic eggs.

Stewart’s work explores the dual experience of holding and being held - both the physical embrace and the emotional ‘holding’ required of a caregiver. These structures act as vessels, cradling vibrant, sometimes chaotic elements that seem poised on the brink of spilling over.

Leah Stewart lives and works in Sheffield. Her practice spans painting, drawing, textiles, print, and assemblage.

Organised by Sebastian Thomas.

Exhibition Opening:

Sunday 9th March 11:00 - 16:00

Opening Times

14/15/16th March and by appointments

Where to find us

This event is at 571 Oxford Road, Reading. Public transport is available from Reading town center and Reading station if you are visiting from elsewhere.