Sculptor Permindar Kaur is bringing Dread Naught, her largest exhibition of new work, to Wolverhampton Art Gallery. The free exhibition opens in November 2026 and features new commissions alongside earlier works, combined with a community-led installation project.

New Sculptures and Earlier Works

The exhibition includes Copper Giants (2026), large sculptural figures created from copper rod that mark a new direction for Kaur's practice. Melancholy (2026) presents 100 smaller copper wire figures mounted to the wall as an expansive frieze.

Two earlier works from Kaur's 1990s practice are also on display. Night Dress (1995) and Chainmail Dress (1996) explore themes of protection, danger and security. Innocence II (2026) is a new version of Innocence (1993), which is held in the Arts Council Collection, creating a dialogue between Kaur's early output and her new commissions.

Community Installation

Kaur has invited three local artists — Kanj Nicholas, India Birtwistle and Roo Dhissou — to co-create artworks with Wolverhampton community groups. The Wolverhampton Sikh & Punjabi Women's Group, Wolverhampton Girl Guides and Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary have each contributed works that reflect things that connect their members.

These artworks are displayed as market stalls within the gallery, acting as a symbol for collective memory. The market stalls feature a special Teddy Bear Wallpaper (2026) created by Kaur that visitors can colour in.

About Permindar Kaur

Kaur came to prominence in the 1990s through exhibitions including British Art Show 4 (1995), Cold Comfort 1 and Cold Comfort 2 at Ikon Gallery and Mead Gallery (1996), and Tate's At Home with Art (1999). Her work has been shown internationally in Japan, Australia and the USA. At that time she was loosely associated with both the YBA and Black British Art Movement, and was unusual as a Sikh woman engaged in contemporary visual art and sculpture.

After several years away from the art world raising her family, Kaur returned to making art. She had recent solo exhibitions Nothing is Fixed at John Hansard Gallery (2024) and Mirror, Mirror at Pitzhager Manor and Gallery (2025). Her work Overgrown House currently features in Sculpture in the Park at Compton Verney, Warwickshire.

Many of Kaur's works touch on themes of protection and justice inherent within the Sikh faith, influenced by her Punjabi Sikh heritage.

Events and Access

Complimentary events are planned, including an artist talk in November 2026 and a study day in February 2027. Entry to the exhibition is free. More information is available at Wolverhampton Arts & Culture.