Kazakh Paintings by Carla Moss

About

Carla Moss’s work draws together themes of time, the environment and our separation from the natural world. Inspired by visits to Kazakhstan and the Aral Sea Basin, this set of 12 oil paintings presents the stark reality for the people of Kazakhstan, who live with the consequences of decisions made in another place and time.

You can see the exhibition in the Porch Gallery at Left Bank Leeds from 15 August to 9 October. Entry is free. We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm, and often have events on at the weekend so you can pop down then, too – just keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.

We're hosting an opening event for this exhibition on 15 August (5-7pm), where you can hear from the artist herself. This event follows one of our free Creative Saturdays sessions, which focuses on painting and drawing. You're welcome to stay for both.

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The Aral Sea, formerly the fourth largest freshwater lake in the world, has been slowly disappearing since the 1960s. Irrigation projects instigated by the USSR diverted water from the rivers feeding the Sea to the desert, with the aim of growing lucrative exports like cotton on the previously arid land.

As the Sea shrank, it changed from a freshwater to a saline lake, killing the native fish. Additional pollution and the practical aspect of distance decimated the local area’s once-thriving fishing industry, creating unemployment and economic hardship. Due to its speed and scale, the shrinking of the Aral Sea is considered one of the worst environmental disasters of the 20th century.

Presented in the round, the work is intended to be absorbing and experiential, yet also partly abstracted – designed to demonstrate the ongoing change that is inevitable in our non-static world.

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We’ve put social distancing measures in place to keep you safe during your time at Left Bank. Hand sanitiser will be available at this event.

All money raised through this event will support the development of Left Bank Leeds Charitable Trust, (charity no. 1146734).

Please note, we take photos at our events for marketing purposes. If you would prefer not to appear in our images please speak to a member of staff at the event.