Shaping the Void/Constellations
The Pier Arts Centre, Victoria Street, Stromness, Orkney, 01856 850209 www.pierartscentre.com. Until 4 Nov
Tues – Sat, 10.30am–5pm
The Pier Arts Centre might hold the work of some of the most illustrious artists of the last century in its collection, but its commitment to emerging artists, particularly those of Orcadian origin, is always strong. This month, two young artists, Louise Barrington and Nick Gordon, recently returned to Orkney after training in London and Aberdeen respectively, will have solo exhibitions at the gallery, showcasing new work, much of which has been developed since taking up residence in the new WASPS Artists Studios in Stromness. Housed in the former Public Library building (which moved to new premises some years ago), the WASPS studios opened late last year, testament to Orkney’s thriving visual art scene.
The work of both these artists is very different. Barrington trained as a textile artist at Central St. Martin’s and the Slade School of Art in London, and here presents abstract work that is concerned with capturing fleeting sensation or observation. The title, perhaps, is self-explanatory – “Shaping the Void,” the works “look at the spaces between things…between movement.” These are installations, threaded sculptures, perhaps, wall panels, the colours muted but diaphanous.
Gordon graduated in Printmaking from Grays’ School of Art in Aberdeen, and is inspired by “collecting and connecting.” His exhibition, titled “Constellations”, gathers together objects which have been thrown away and assembles them into something new, “often with dark and surreal humour.”
Both artists will give a tour of the exhibition at 3pm on Saturday 4th October.
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