‘Where It All Began’ expo showcasing in Bradford

roots and heritage. His father immigrated to Bradford from Pakistan in the 1960s to work at Crofts Engineering foundry during the wave of Commonwealth migration. Titled ‘Where It Began’, this special exhibition is part of the lead-up to Bradford 2025 being named the UK City of Culture. It explores themes of migration, identity, and community through a deeply personal lens.

Drawing inspiration from his recent solo exhibition at the V&A, ‘What Is Seen and What Is Not’, Yousefzada introduces new works and outdoor installations exclusive to Bradford. These pieces are scattered both inside and outside the gallery, offering a unique perspective on the artist’s exploration of ‘the beginning’. His focus on migration, identity, and community shines through, making this exhibition a standout feature of the upcoming cultural celebrations in Bradford.

Osman Yousefzada discussed his recurring themes of labour, social hierarchy, migration, and the repercussions of colonialism on human physicality. The piece “Where It Began” acts as a symbol that traverses various time periods, highlighting the historical connections between the British Empire and South Asia. Yousefzada’s father, who immigrated to Bradford during the influx of Commonwealth migrants in the 1960s to work at Crofts Engineering foundry, plays a significant role in the exploration of concepts like belonging, selfhood, and creating a sense of home.

This exhibition is an extension of Yousefzada’s recent solo exhibition at the V&A, titled “What Is Seen and What Is Not” (2022), featuring both existing works and new pieces, including outdoor installations designed specifically for Bradford. Within the main gallery, visitors can admire the artist’s meticulously crafted textiles, sculptures, and freshly wrapped artworks. Demonstrating his ongoing engagement with site-specific objects, Yousefzada will wrap various busts and statues at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, such as a marble likeness of Queen Victoria and the statue “Humanity overcoming War” (1925).

Venturing outside into Lister Park, Yousefzada breathes new cultural significance into the statue of Diana the Huntress, incorporating migrant and diasporic influences into a tribute to femininity. This thought-provoking exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, 3rd May to Sunday, 13th October 2024.

Images: Osman Yousefzada