Yorkshire Contemporary is thrilled to present a new body of work by Leeds-based artist K Walker for Light Night Leeds 2026. 

Walker is a multidisciplinary artist who uses photography, sculpture, costume, moving image and poetry to explore ideas around gender, illness, otherness, queerness and sensuality.  

Consisting of performance, sculpture, sound and moving image, I want ur hands on me (unrequited) is an installation that explores Leeds’ queer nightlife. As Walker says, “Nightclubs and parties can offer a level of escapism but also feel existential for the individuals dancing.” This new commission draws on the emotional ups and downs of clubbing, both the excitement of the dancefloor as well as the loneliness that can sometimes accompany you onto it.  

Informed by a workshop with members of the queer community in Leeds, Walker will bring collective voices, memories and feelings about the queer club scene into a sound work created in collaboration with KESSIE, a resident DJ at Leeds queer club night Love Muscle. Walker will also work with videographer Ronnie Danaher to create a new moving image work, filmed in and around West Yorkshire. This commission marks the first time Walker has worked with professional performers, and is supported by Yorkshire Dance.  

With influences ranging from body-building to The Wizard of Oz and techno music, I want ur hands on me (unrequited) showcases a nuanced experience of nightlife in the city, during its largest nighttime cultural event.  

This project is presented at The Attic, a music and arts event space, and is supported by an Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.  

About the artist 

K Walker was born in Wakefield and is a Leeds-based artist who often works under the alias In Close Proximity. Walker’s work incorporates costume, drawing, zines, moving image, performance, poetry and sculpture. Their practice focuses on themes of queerness, bodies, otherness, dysphoria, illness and sensuality. Walker is a founding member of the artist-led collective LAX, based at FiiK Studios in Mabgate, Leeds.   

Recent projects include No Ordinary Love, LAX, FiiK Studios, Leeds (2025); Shrine to the Other Woman, SCREW Gallery, Leeds (2022); and I’M SCARED OF CHOCOLATE BARS, Village Books, Leeds (2022). ​ 

Access  

The Attic is a music and arts event space serving soft and alcoholic drinks and food. This commission is presented in their events space on the ground floor. There is step-free access into The Attic. There is an accessible toilet.  

The installation contains haze from a smoke machine, flashing lights and loud music. Ear plugs, defenders and seats with backs will be available.  

Guide and assistance animals are welcome.  

If you have any questions around access, please contact The Attic. Please leave at least 5 working days’ notice ahead of the event. All access enquiries should be sent to info@theatticleeds.com. 

The Attic has no designated parking. Paid-for parking is available at RCP – Sheaf Street, which is a two-minute walk from the venue. Note: all parking will be busy during Light Night.   

About Light Night 

Celebrating the diverse and thriving creativity of Leeds, Light Night Leeds is an annual free multi-arts and light festival that takes over Leeds City Centre for two nights in October. This year it is our 20th edition. 

Starting in 2005, the event has grown year on year and has attracted more than 1.1 million visitors to the city. Last year’s Light Night Leeds saw a record 200,000 people attending and generating an estimated £3.5m for the local economy.

I want ur hands on me (unrequited) K Walker is in partnership with Yorkshire Dance, Yorkshire Contemporary and Light Night Leeds.