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'Prism' exhibition to shine spotlight on Aberdeen festival of light


By Alan Beresford

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A VIBRANT exhibition celebrating colour, takes centre stage at Gray's School of Art’s Look Again project space later today (Thursday).

The 'Prism' exhibition gets under way this evening and runs until Sunday.
The 'Prism' exhibition gets under way this evening and runs until Sunday.

It forms as part of Aberdeen’s festival of light, Spectra which runs from February 10-13.

‘Prism’ brings together five leading Scottish artists, who explore colour as part of a dazzling exhibition, curated by Gray’s School of Art’s creative unit, Look Again at Robert Gordon University.

With studios in either Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, the five artists, who are Gray’s alumni, include Gordon Burnett, Julia Gardiner, Carole Gray, Robin Palmer and Allan Watson. All have exhibited nationally and internationally and are involved in a range of public and private commissions.

'PRISM' supports Spectra’s Catalyst Conference, #Culture is not a luxury, which takes place online on Friday, February 11. Robert Gordon University is taking a leading role at the conference with RGU Chancellor, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Head of Gray’s School of Art, Libby Curtis and Look Again Co-Director, Hilary Nicoll joining as guest panellists at the event that will explore the role of the arts in a post-Covid Scotland.

Ms Nicoll said: “We are really excited to present 'Prism'.

"This unique exhibition celebrates the depth of creative talent in the north-east and considers colour in all its beauty and complexity. Our exhibition complements Aberdeen’s Spectra’s mission of bringing ‘light to the winter nights’ and presents artworks that focus on colour as a property of light.

“Prism' will create a dazzling display of colour and offers visitors the chance to see first-hand leading artists in their field. The exhibition, and our involvement with SPECTRA, demonstrates Gray’s School of Art’s commitment to enrich and support culture in the North East of Scotland and examine how the creative sector can influence individuals and the wider community.”

One of Allan Watson's painted wooden forms.
One of Allan Watson's painted wooden forms.

One of the artists exhibiting at 'Prism' is Allan Watson.

He said: "The five artists exhibiting have known each other for many years.

"We’d been talking about showing as a group so when the Look Again Project Space became available, we jumped at the chance. The timing made it seem logical for our exhibition to run parallel with Spectra, who very generously included us in their programme.

"Our shared interests in using colour through various materials and processes became the common denominator for the work we’ve selected for the exhibition. Spectra has been a great catalyst for 'Prism' – we’d like to think a ‘fringe festival’ might develop in future years, complimentary to the main event."

Gordon Burnett constructs clocks using a variety of unusual materials.
Gordon Burnett constructs clocks using a variety of unusual materials.

Fraserburgh artist Gordon Burnett presents a series of clocks using colour combined with unusual materials, such as grout and granite to evoke playfulness and mystery drawing inspiration from nature moods and topography.

Organised harmony and balance are at the centre of Julia Gardiner's work.
Organised harmony and balance are at the centre of Julia Gardiner's work.

Virtual artist Julie Gardiner from the north-east, who originally trained as a printmaker at Gray’s School of Art and The Royal College of Art in London, focuses on sculpture and uses coloured card to create minimal geometric compositions that convey a sense of ‘organised harmony’ and balance.

Carole Gray's work explore spatial ambiguity.
Carole Gray's work explore spatial ambiguity.

Carole Gray, who is a research professor and co-ordinater at Gray’s School of Art, constructs geometric forms using new technologies and materials combined with the hand-made to explore spatial ambiguity through tint and tone.

Robin Palmer’s work is inspired by Orkney and the islands
Robin Palmer’s work is inspired by Orkney and the islands

Gray’s School of Art graduate, Robin Palmer’s work is inspired by Orkney and the islands and the surrounding environment. He creates craft box framed sculptures in painted card and wood, exploring the subtleties of shadow and light, shape and pattern to make small worlds of colour and ambiguity.

The exhibition opens from 6pm to10pm and runs on Friday at the same times. On Saturday and Sunday it is open between 2pm-10pm. It is free to visit.

Find out more at https://www.spectrafestival.co.uk/artworks/prism-look-again



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