A major new commission by Leeds-based artist Mohammad Barrangi (b. 1988, Iran) explores notions of home, childhood and migration as part of the Smeaton300 programme. 

‘One Night, One Dream, Life in the Lighthouse’ brings Barrangi’s unique and inventive printmaking process together with sculpture, installation and sound. The artist weaves a dreamlike universe from childhood memories and Persian mythology, revolving around the story of a young Iranian girl’s arrival on the English coast, and contemplating his personal experiences of migration and disability.  

His latest body of work incorporates themes and motifs discovered during his recent residency in the University’s Special Collections, with sources ranging from Persian calligraphy and Middle Eastern textiles and manuscripts to European scientific illustrations. Through a wealth of symbols and narratives, Barrangi’s work suggests notions of freedom, memory, community and identity, calling for greater worldwide, cross-cultural understanding. 

In collaboration with The Highrise Project, and as part of the Galleries’ ‘Welcoming Migrants’ initiative, the exhibition features a collective digital artwork made by a group of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants living in Leeds which responds to Barrangi’s artwork.  

A group of student volunteers have also produced an online audio project that records personal experiences of migration alongside poetry selected from Special Collections.  

The exhibition is curated by Dr Laura Claveria, Exhibitions Curator at Leeds University Library Galleries.