This May, step into three powerful artistic worlds as The University of Warwick’s Mead Gallery presents new exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists Mao Ishikawa and Mike Silva, and an exciting interactive presentation curated by their Youth Leadership Collective.

Running from 1 May to 22 June 2025 at Warwick Arts Centre, the exhibitions offer compelling reflections on memory, identity, and the places we call home.

Mao Ishikawa: A European First

For the first time in Europe, audiences can experience the work of Okinawan artist and activist Mao Ishikawa in a landmark solo exhibition.

Spanning over 100 works from the 1970s to the present day, Ishikawa’s photography presents a deeply personal and political portrait of life in Okinawa. Her iconic Red Flower: The Women of Okinawa series and ongoing project Okinawa and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces provide unflinching narratives of community, resistance, and resilience.

Mike Silva: Moments in Time

In contrast to Ishikawa’s bold photography, London-based artist Mike Silva offers an introspective vision.

Drawing on photographs from the 1990s and early 2000s, Silva transforms everyday snapshots into softly rendered paintings of interiors, portraits, and landscapes. His work explores themes of memory, longing, and personal history, featuring new pieces that deepen his exploration of place and belonging.

​On Tuesday 6 May 2025, at 6.30pm, Silva will discuss his work in a free event at the Mead Gallery, joined by artist and filmmaker Sean Burns and Joseph Constable, Head of Exhibitions at De La Warr Pavilion.

Youth Leadership Collective: Making Space – Growing, Changing, Becoming

The Youth Leadership Collective, a group of young people aged 15–22 from Coventry, curates an interactive exhibition that explores their past, present, and future selves.

Through poetry, performance, photography, and music, the Collective invites visitors to reflect on youth identity in the city and engage with the themes that matter most to them. The exhibition also includes artwork by Key Stage 1 pupils and features workshops led by artists Sam Strachan and Naoibh McNamee throughout the summer term.

Together, these three exhibitions present diverse yet complementary storytelling approaches, from documentary photography to intimate paintings and dynamic, thought-provoking installations.

Sarah Shalgosky, Principal Curator at The University of Warwick, said: “We’re proud to present these powerful exhibitions, which offer meaningful reflections on art’s ability to cross continents, generations, and mediums. We’re thrilled to bring these important voices to Coventry, and as always, visitors can enjoy the exhibitions free of charge.”

The Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre continues its reputation for offering bold, inspiring exhibitions to the region. Admission is free.

For more information, visit www.warwickartscentre.co.ukLink opens in a new window.

ENDS

Notes to the editor

Images courtesy of

· Mao Ishikawa

· Mike Silva

· Youth Leadership Collective

University of Warwick press office contact: 

Ann Baylis, Media & Communications Officer

ann.baylis@warwick.ac.uk / Mobile: 07876 876937

General and out of hours press office number +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours)

University of Warwick 
The University of WarwickLink opens in a new window is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it's currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.