Leeds Beckett Fine Art present 'BIGGER BOOK' art installation celebrating the release of Brian Eno’s latest book

The exhibition, running from 20-31 January, will offer an immersive version of the book, What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory. The release marks Brian Eno’s first book in 29 years, co-authored with Dutch artist and novelist Bette Adriaanse. The book examines the role of art in society, inviting audiences to reflect on its value and relevance in today’s world.

Known worldwide as a pioneering musician, composer, producer, and visual artist, Brian Eno has influenced generations with his groundbreaking work in ambient music and collaborations with artists like David Bowie, U2, and Coldplay.

This immersive installation invites audiences to engage with the book dynamically. LBU Fine Art students will respond creatively to the installation, producing a series of captivating new works illuminating the themes explored in the book. These will then be showcased in the White Column later this year.

As part of the collaboration, Leeds Beckett Fine Art students will create limited-edition bean bags crafted from screen-printed pages of What Art Does. These vibrant pieces will transform the exhibition space, providing comfortable seating for visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic narrative of the installation. After the exhibition, these unique bean bags will be auctioned off, with profits going to Leeds Community Foundation.

Brian Eno, author of What Art Does, said: "I wanted to be an artist from a very young age - it was my favourite school subject, and art school strengthened my conviction that this was what I wanted to do. But I didn't have a clear explanation of why I wanted it so badly, it was simply what I loved doing.

"This question stayed with me until a friend asked, 'why would someone with a good mind want to waste it by being an artist?' That pushed me to start piecing together answers. When Bette and I met, we realised we shared the desire to explore this question. That collaboration led to this book - a short, accessible exploration of why art matters, written to spark a wider conversation."

Bette Adriaanse added: "Our intention with What Art Does was to make a short, comprehensible and provocative book that would be easy to follow. We are hoping to put some ideas into the world that students and teachers and members of the public can use when they want to defend the value of art. We think that this is a conversation that anybody should be able to join.

"We would like to thank Leeds Beckett University students and staff for joining in the conversation with their great project around What Art Does."

James Chinneck, Senior Lecturer at Leeds School of Arts and curator of the exhibition, said: "Once I discovered that Brian and Bette were collaborating on this timely exploration of art and creativity, I knew our Fine Art students needed to be involved. Their work dives deep into how art shapes our understanding of existence, and we must play a part in this vital conversation.

"I reached out to Bette and Brian, and the idea of the BIGGER BOOK came to life. Thank you to them and Faber and Faber publishing for allowing us to present this installation in our Leeds Beckett Fine Art White Column Space. I can't wait to see the incredible responses our Fine Art students will make."

Dan Papps, Director of Popular Music at Faber and Faber, said: "We are delighted to work with Leeds Beckett Fine Art to bring What Art Does to life as an installation in their White Column space. It is fantastic to see What Art Does already being used creatively and interestingly."

The BIGGER BOOK installation runs from 20-31 January 2025 at Leeds Beckett Fine Art White Column space. Visitors are encouraged to book hourly slots in advance. Book your tickets now.