Twelve faithful reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s flight and wind machines loaned by Da Vinci Museum, Florence, demonstrate the remarkable prescience of this great artist and his engineering genius. Alongside these Renaissance machines, specially commissioned and selected works by contemporary artists respond to ideas of flight or explore the use of engineering in their conceptualisation, design or production.

Professor Stephanie Haywood, Head of Electrical & Electronic Engineering at the University of Hull launched the Amy Johnson Festival by saying: ‘Engineering is about creating practical solutions to the everyday problems such as housing and water supply alongside tackling the challenges of sustainable energy, mitigating climate change and an ageing population. It is underpinned by science and maths but also needs art and design. It can be about vision and creativity and also about the everyday skills needed to turn ideas into products.’

This exhibition examines how engineering, through practical applications and concepts, is inspiring and being used by artists today. Contemporary art explores the world we live in through a range of media and techniques for making art. Artists are combining traditional skills and new technology to create inspiring and thought-provoking new work. In recent years, art practice has embraced dialogues with people working across a range of disciplines, provoking new ideas. ’Da Vinci Engineered’ demonstrates how such conversations lead to the creation of exciting new work including print series, metal sculpture, video or installation.

The artists in this exhibition have been given the opportunity to re-think their practice in relation to engineering, flight and Leonardo Da Vinci. At a time when young people are often asked to choose between ‘the arts’ or ‘the sciences’ at secondary school, ‘Da Vinci Engineered’ shows us that we should, instead, embrace many different approaches to learning. Engineers and artists are both creative: Leonardo Da Vinci never had to choose whether to be an engineer, a sculptor, painter or architect as designs for his flying machines demonstrate.

A free guide accompanies the exhibition which includes information about each of the artists and the work on display.

Lara Goodband, Curator