Saturday 7th October will see the official opening of two new exhibitions at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
The Main Gallery will host ‘An Inspired Scavenger: Adventures in Wood and (other) Found Objects’ by containing new sculptural work created by Cromarty-based artist, Leon Patchett, which has evolved from using material gathered in the local environment.
Leon’s ‘Affric Winter Walk Sculpture’ (pictured) was a commission by Spirit: 360 a commissioning programme for emerging and established creatives in partnership with Highland Place Partnership and Creative Scotland Place Partnership to support and promote artists during a challenging few years.
Leon shared: “Ideas of transformation and order have developed into a visual language that draws on fundamental considerations of form and proportion, taking on common themes of sequence, rhythm, pattern, and texture.
“My approach provides an alternative view of using found or discarded material and reveals a personal vision of making contemporary sculpture.”
Cathy Shankland, High Life Highland’s Visual Arts Curator, added: “The process generates spontaneous and eccentric outcomes upon which the Leon asserts geometrical forms, mimicking nature, in order to produce the final pieces which create a new and intriguing environment for members of the public to explore in the Main Gallery.
“Meanwhile in the Small Gallery, there will be a moving film portrait of the renowned Human Rights Activist and Scientist, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, created by Scottish artist Graham Fagen and commissioned by National Galleries Scotland.
“In this compelling 19-minute video, artist Graham Fagen captures Sir Geoff’s story and indomitable spirit as he talks about his life, from growing up in Jamaica to becoming an esteemed academic in Edinburgh.
“Fagen’s portrait breaks the boundaries of what we think of as traditional portraiture and, in the words of the artist, ‘attempts to expand our perceptions of portraiture in the age of the selfie.’
“In recognition of October as Black History Month, this exhibition serves as a celebration which aims to promote the contributions of those with African and Caribbean heritage to British society, and to foster a deeper understanding of Black History in general.
“High Life Highland are excited to welcome members of the public to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to immerse themselves into both exhibitions this weekend.”
Judi Menabney, High Life Highland’s Head of Arts Archives and Museums, concluded: “Showing together, these exhibitions present a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the work of two contemporary artists who each delight in challenging perceived norms and boundaries and creating highly innovative, engaging work.”
Both exhibitions will run until Saturday 25th November, so there is plenty of time to plan a trip to the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery is run by High Life Highland and can be found on Castle Wynd in Inverness City Centre. It is open every week from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free but donations are encouraged and gratefully received.
To read more about either exhibition, please visit the following High Life Highland webpages:
‘An Inspired Scavenger: Adventures in Wood and (other) Found Objects’ by Leon Patchett (Main Gallery): https://www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-museum-and-art-gallery/an-inspired-scavenger-foraging-for-sculpture-adventures-in-wood-and-other-found-objects/
‘A Portrait of Sir Geoff Palmer’ by Graham Fagen (Small Gallery): https://www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-museum-and-art-gallery/a-portrait-of-sir-geoff-palmer/
For more on what events and exhibitions are upcoming at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, take a look at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/InvMAG
