Mikkel Ullah - Dynamite
The Dynamite Project is a collective established in 2014 by local urban artist Mikkel Ullah.
Mikkel says "It felt important that I could help young musicians, dancers and artists from Leeds access opportunities and connections for creative projets, whilst staying connected to the city myself."
Through the Dynamite Project Mikkel nurtures new local talent so they can take part in large scale city events including Leeds International Festival and Leeds Digital Fashion Week. Often the project will take over empty buildings to operate out of, taking advantage of the space on offer, including old banks and warehouses.
This week a new exhibition at Freedom Mills features Mikkel's work created to be sold to fund the next round of Dynamite Project - accessible intergenerational art projects and showcases for artists in the collective.
Mikkel continues "The aim is always to inspire a diverse range of young artists and performers in a safe and nurturing environment. Kids have it tough and I really belive creativity is king, it has the potential to unlock talent and togetherness."
However, the Dynamite Project is not just for young people, future plans include making art and performance accessible and available to all age groups.
Mikkel is a painter with a very urban style, using spray paint and acrylics, and primitive approaches to vibrant mark making. Interested in all forms of popular culture, her interpretation of painting incorporates street art, fashion and dance. Collaborating extensively with musicians, dancers, and artists from different backgrounds using an inter-disciplinary approach that incorporates dance, film, photography, fashion, art and music.