Jonathan Baldock: Held

Critically acclaimed exhibition from Jonathan Baldock tours to Mostyn from 24 October 2026 to 13 February 2027 following its initial presentation at Arnolfini, Bristol.

Wildness and care inform the centrepiece of the exhibition: a colossal bear sculpture commissioned by Arnolfini, titled Bear Hug. Baldock has been fascinated by the cultural significance of bears, from powerful deities to comforting teddy bears. The sculpture invites audiences to encounter the bear with their bodies. Its scale engulfs visitors, while its arms wrap around them in an embrace.

As with a beloved teddy bear, Bear Hug carries a trace of its history through lovingly repaired wear and tear. Elsewhere, there are echoes of the performers and artists that Baldock has worked with throughout his career. The Caretakers, a pair of ornate costumes, evokes their past use in the 2021 performance I’m Still Learning, created in partnership with Rafał Zajko.

Baldock has also collaborated with Luke Barton on a soundscape and Lora Hemy on a scent that permeates the gallery. These collaborations, past and present, add up to an environment that is immersive, tactile and sensory. The exhibition is a recognition of the reciprocal relationship between Baldock and his peers, and of how they have held and nurtured one another.

The face of the artist’s mother appears across the exhibition. Baldock has spoken of the importance of inherited skills passed on by both his mother and grandmother. These practices of sewing, appliqué and handicraft are rooted in working-class history and help us to understand both the artwork and the artist.

Held explores care, nurturing and their more complex edges. These ideals are not sanitised, but presented alongside uncanny body parts spewing from ceramics, sharpened teeth, strange folkloric ritual and eroticism. Baldock invites us into his world with the nurturing hug of his giant bear, but proposes a version of care that flirts with wildness, danger and excitement.

Held was developed and originally presented by Arnolfini, Bristol (27 June – 27 September 2026), before touring to Mostyn (24 October – 13 February 2027).

The exhibition has been generously supported by the Henry Moore Foundation.

A new publication, published by Arnolfini, featuring essays by Gemma Brace, Glenn Adamson, Sarah Coulson and Dominic Johnson is available at both Mostyn and Arnolfini bookshops.

Held
Jonathan Baldock
Mostyn, 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, LL30 1AB
24 October 2026 – 13 February 2027 
Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Images courtesy of Mostyn © Dan Weill. Text: exhibition notes by Mostyn

Mostyn is a free, public gallery in Llandudno, Wales, that presents a programme of outstanding international contemporary art within its galleries and online. This programme has recently included solo exhibitions by Jeremy Deller, Cerith Wyn-Evans, Jacqueline de Jong, Paul Maheke, Vanessa da Silva, Revital Cohen and Tuur Van Balen, Rosemarie Castoro and Noemie Goudal. Mostyn offers a public engagement programme including talks, tours and workshops, and supports over 400 artists through their onsite and online shop. Mostyn receives support from the Arts Council of Wales and is part of Plus TATE, the UK-wide contemporary visual art network.