Simone Leigh

Simone Leigh presents the largest exhibition to date of the work of Simone Leigh, a New York–based sculptor internationally recognized for her monumental sculptures and installations. For her first major exhibition in the United Kingdom, Leigh will take over the Royal Academy’s Main Galleries at Burlington House, presenting an ambitious body of work that includes bronze and ceramic sculpture alongside film and large-scale installations. Leigh’s practice draws deeply from African artistic traditions and the cultures of the African diaspora, centering the histories, labor, and lived experiences of Black women. Her sculptures often combine references to vernacular architecture, ritual objects, and historical forms of portraiture, transforming them into powerful contemporary monuments. Through these works, Leigh addresses themes of visibility, care, resilience, and collective memory. For the Royal Academy exhibition, Leigh will debut new monumental works created specifically for the galleries, expanding her ongoing exploration of form, material, and cultural symbolism. By bringing together sculpture, installation, and film, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the artist’s evolving practice and underscores her influence within contemporary art. The exhibition runs through December 12, 2027, at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.