‘The Ribs Begin to Rise’ is the first institutional solo show by Ro Robertston, and you can see it in all its glory at National Gallery for Contemporary Art in Sunderland.

Fittingly, this show is being staged in Ro Robertson’s hometown of Sunderland – and it takes inspiration from its location. It draws on the mouth of the River Wear, Sunderland Docks, Hendon Paper Works, the ropeworks, and the 700 female shipbuilders who once lived and worked in Sunderland. The exhibition, which takes the form of a newly commissioned series of sculptural works alongside large-scale drawings and a video installation, reflects on Robertson’s family working-class history and the materials key to the industries which came to define Robertson’s upbringing in the region.

The Ribs Begin to Rise: Ro Robertson, 26 July-6 December, NGCA Main Gallery, Sunderland, sunderlandculture.org.uk