Mar 142013
 

Peacock Visual Arts are proud to welcome renowned paper maker Jacki Parry to exhibit in the main gallery.

Resonance (Paper As Memory) will include a selection of handmade paper sculptures and prints, both large and small scale, free standing and wall mounted.
Works will include the large scale installation Ocean, which cascades from the ceiling like a large ‘ocean wave,’ alerting us to both the natural and textile-like qualities of paper.

The Boolakeel Series of handmade digital prints, which play with paper’s association with mass communications; while their subtitle, The Wind Among the Rushes, leads us to the scene in Boolakeel, rural Ireland, which inspired their creation.

Small sculptural pieces such as Yellow Venus, which almost seem to burst with air and showcase Jacki’s skills at sewing, folding, and weaving paper, alongside making it.

A number of these works featured in Jacki’s exhibition ‘Resonance’ at Glasgow Print Studio in 2012. This exhibition at Peacock Visual Arts will also showcase some exciting new work currently in progress, plus an interview with Jacki, filmed earlier this year in her Glasgow studio.

About the Artist

Jacki Parry was born in Wonthaggi, Australia, and graduated as a teacher of secondary art and craft from Melbourne Teachers College. Jacki moved to the UK in 1965, and Scotland in 1970 where she has lived since. In 1972 while a student at Glasgow School of Art Jacki became one of the founding members of the Glasgow Print Studio, and had her first solo exhibition there in February 2012 to open their 40th anniversary celebrations.

In 1985 Jacki founded Gallowgate Studios, Glasgow with partner and painter John Taylor, where her studio, The Paper Workshop, was established.

In 1991 Jacki was appointed Senior Lecturer, Head of Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art, where she continued to teach until her retirement in 2006.

For the past 30 years Jacki has continually explored the material and perceptual possibilities of paper and print, studying with the master American papermaker Laurence Barker in Barcelona, and Tadao Endo in Shiroishi, Japan.

Jacki now works full time in her Glasgow studio, and was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 2009. She has also lectured and exhibited in the UK and internationally.

Kirsty Young, Communications Manager at Peacock Visual Arts says, “We are all very excited that Jacki is bringing this exhibition to Aberdeen. Not only will we see work included in her first solo show from 2012, Resonance, but also a selection of brand new work. This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close to, and be inspired by, some very delicate and beautiful pieces of paper sculpture’.

  • Exhibition Runs 23 March – 4 May 2013
  • Opening Friday 22 March, 6 – 8pm
Feb 142013
 

With thanks to Kirsty Young – Communications Manager, Peacock Visual Arts.

Peacock Visual Arts’ inaugural In Motion Animation Festival presents an exciting programme of short and feature films, curated from around the world and screened at The Belmont Picturehouse.

It will also feature an intriguing exhibition of drawings and paintings by award-winning artist/animator Thomas Hicks and workshops for all ages, taking place at venues across the City of Aberdeen.

The festival is co-curated by Susie Wilson and Thomas Hicks.

http://www.peacockvisualarts.com/events/403/in-motion-animation-festival-2013

In Motion Animation Festival 2013 – Programme Live!
22 February – 9 March
Opening 21 February, 6 – 8pm at Peacock Visual Arts, all welcome!

Peacock Visual Arts, 21 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BQ

Tel: 01224 639539
Mob: 07525 123425
email: kirsty@peacockvisualarts.co.uk

Open Tue – Sat 9.30 – 5.30pm admission free
www.peacockvisualarts.com

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Jan 172013
 

Constellations, an exhibition of work by German artist Bibo Weber will run at MUSA in Exchange Street from 15th January until  24th March, 2013.

An Aberdeen resident since 2009, Bibo creates sculptures and other artwork in a variety of media and techniques, using natural materials like driftwood and ceramic as well as non-organic materials and found objects.

Her artwork deals with our connectedness with nature and the transience of life, and is influenced by imagery of supernatural beliefs from different cultures and inspired by the forms she sees in the natural world around her.

Bibo often brings her sculptures into a natural environment in which she feels it merges with its surroundings and, by doing this, creates temporary installations.

A wide range of Bibo’s recent work, including sculpture, photography and ceramics, can be seen in Constellations, her first solo exhibition, which runs at MUSA from this week.

The main elements in Constellations are the tall wooden sculptures which are loosely based on the totems of North Pacific Native Americans.  A totem can be the symbol of a tribe, clan, family or individual, and it bears testimony to a close affinity to nature.

By using symbolic shapes and texture and the use of mainly organic material, Bibo’s artwork explores the spirit of people and nature, interspersed with imagery of the North East coast of Scotland as seen through the artist’s eyes.

The main material from which the sculptures are made is recovered wood which, once carved and shaped, is resurrected in the form of narrative constellations.

Bibo arranges and photographs these constellations to evoke specific encounters – similar to pictures in an old family album.
Some of these photographs, which are taken along the Aberdeenshire coastline, can also be seen at the exhibition as large-format prints.

One of the works in this exhibition, Yamatanka, is a large, mixed-media, full-head mask which Bibo was inspired to create after seeing a performance in Aberdeen by a group of Tibetan monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

Yamantaka is the Tibetan god of wrath who overcomes death by adopting the appearance of Death and whose terrifying appearance is said to protect us from external evil.

There are also some of Bibo’s ceramics on display and, in keeping with the general theme of ‘natural environment’ these small sculptures and vases are inspired by the forms, colours and textures of kelp seaweed.

Over the last year Bibo has contributed to a number of exhibitions in London, Chichester, Edinburgh Paisley Dunkeld and Aberdeen and is planning another Constellations exhibition which will be held in the Duthie Park Winter Gardens later this year.

Constellations runs at MUSA, 33 Exchange St, Aberdeen, from 15th January until 24th March.  See www.musaaberdeen.com

Further information.
Website – http://www.outsidein.org.uk/Bibo-Weber
Email  biboartwork@yahoo.co.uk

Jan 142013
 

By Bob Smith.

Lit me say richt awa,there wull be blue sna
Afore ma fantasy predicshuns cum richt
Bit lit us aa pray, there wull cum a day
Fin warld poverty’s nae langer in sicht

The Donald wull state,”Michael Forbes a’ll nae hate”
“An at winfairms a’ll nae hae a glower”
Afore is cums true, naebody’ll be on the broo
An hell itsel wull freeze ower

The Dons’ll aye win, their fan’s wull aye grin
In Europe Man Utd they’ll crush
Their play wull be racy, fin they sign Lionel Messi
An the green an white hordes they wull hush

Gaza Strip wull hae peace,an Israelies they’ll cease
Tae bigg on Palestinian grun
Fowk wull feel better, an guns winna maitter
An fae shell’s young bairns winna run

In oor Aiberdeen,the cooncil cums clean
An tells us aa fit’s gyaan on
Nae diggers wull dig tae bigg a new brig
Throwe the streets o puir Tillydrone

Sir Ian wull depart, in the puff o a fart
Wi his 50 odd million in a hurry
He’ll dee much mair gweed, if Africa’s hungry he’ll feed
An aboot webs an gairdens nae worry

Fit the future micht be, we’ll jist wait an see
Wull ony fantasy predicshuns cum true?
If only een wis fulfilled, a wid be richt thrilled
So a’m hopin the sna wull turn blue

©Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie” 2013

Oct 182012
 

With thanks to Kirsty Young.

Drag queen turned draughtsman, Donald Urquhart presents Big Jessie, a selection of bold, new hand printed works printed at Peacock Visual Arts.

Born in 1963, self confessed ‘big Jessie’ Donald Urquhart first gained public attention as the man behind the 90s high camp cabaret night The Beautiful Bend, but is now better known for his distinctive cartoon-like black ink drawings.

“Despite being black and white, Donald Urquhart’s bittersweet, droll, cartoon-like drawings are souvenirs of a colourful past. Comforting and disconcerting in equal measure, their elegant line and graphic finesse makes them immediately appealing, even though they sometimes dish out hardcore one-liners like seasoned cabaret artistes or twisted greetings cards.” Frieze Magazine

In Big Jessie Urquhart continues this style of work with pieces including The Scottish Alphabet, a screenprint portraying Urquharts homeland in twenty-six alphabetically ordered images counting Lulu, the Krankies and Molly Weir as important Scottish icons.
http://www.peacockvisualarts.com/archive/356/coming-soon-donald-urquhart
Exhibition runs until 27 October 2012

OilScapes // Various Artists

Curated by Dr Janet Stewart and Zeigam Azizov.

Zeigam Azizov, Peter Fend, Melik Ohanian, Aga Ousseinov and Owen Logan explore connections between oil, geopolitics and visual culture with particular emphasis on connections between the environment and mobility. Featuring an audio collage with voices from the University of Aberdeen’s Lives in the Oil Industry oral history archive.

OilScapes also features a number of events including Artist’s Talk a Workshop and OilScapes/Film screenings.

For the full programme: http://www.peacockvisualarts.com/events/379/oilscapes

Grotto // The Winter Exhibition

Submit your work in A4 format within the theme of “Grotto”, for your chance to be part of the annual PVA Christmas Exhibition, 2012 edition!  – Click here to Find out more
DEADLINE 31 OCTOBER 

Screenprinting Weekend Workshop // beginners

Explore the creative possibilities of this colourful, graphic and immediate approach to making repeat prints. No experience required – just a few images and a bit of creativity.  – Click here to Find out more
Sat 27 & Sun 28 October | 10 – 4.30pm | £130/95 conc.

Etching   Weekend Workshop // beginners

Sign up for the opportunity to learn the techniques and processes that are involved in the traditional art of etching. No experience required. – Click here to Find out more  
Sat 27 & Sun 28 October | 10 – 4.30pm | £130/95 conc.

Thursday Print Club is back again!

Get familiar with the workshops, practice techniques and gain confidence and benefit from regular supervision from Peacock Staff.  – Click here to Find out more
Every Thursday evening 8 November – 13 December | £60

Animation Class

Ever wondered how Wallace and Gromit move? Or what makes Pingu go? Well here at Peacock we’re planning an abundance of animation workshops to show you just that! – Click here to Find out more
Thursday 18 & Thursday 25 October

Mono Printing Workshop // beginners

Join Michael Waight for this one day workshop, where he will show you how to master the art of the single impression print.   – Click here to Find out more
Saturday 24 November | 10 – 4:30pm | £75/£65 conc.

Japanese Stab Binding Workshop// beginners 

This one day workshop with Mike Waight will show you wonderful ways to make handmade books. Ideal for personal Christmas presents!  – Click here to Find out more
Saturday 1 December | 10 – 4:30pm | £75/£65 conc.

Oct 152012
 

This Wednesday, a Mobile Sculpture Workshop at Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW) offers a great opportunity for 12 to 16 year olds to learn more about food and how it shapes our lives. With thanks to  Emily Wyndham Gray.

On Wednesday 17 October come along to SSW from 10am to 1pm for a morning of mobile sculpture making.

Join artists Jonathan Baxter and Sarah Gittins in the SSW workshops and studios and learn how to make your own mobile sculpture, inspired by food.

The workshop is FREE and materials will be provided, but do bring any empty food packaging and images of food.

If you grow your own food bring a photo of that too!

There are limited places available.  Please call or email to book on 01464 861372, or email office@ssw.org.uk. This project is supported by Marr Area Partnership.

  • All In The Balance – Mobile Sculpture Workshop ( for 12 to 16 year olds )
    Wednesday 17 October 2012
    10am to 1pm
  • SSW,
    1 Main Street,
    Lumsden,
    AB54 4JN

 

Jul 052012
 

Following a successful showing at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery is pleased to host ‘The House of Annie Lennox’, opening 7 July.

The House of Annie Lennox pays tribute to the creativity, style and passion for life of the Aberdeen-born artist.

This touring exhibition from the V&A features costumes and accessories worn by Lennox together with photographs, personal treasures and awards, ephemera from the political campaigns she has championed, music videos and a specially commissioned video of Lennox in conversation.

There will be exclusive new content curated by Annie Lennox in partnership with gallery staff including memorabilia from her musical beginnings in the city, family photographs and a piece specially written by her for the exhibition.

Annie Lennox said:

“I’m delighted to be presenting The House of Annie Lennox in Aberdeen. I used to regularly visit the gallery as a teenager, and found it to be a place of beauty and inspiration.  It feels like coming full circle to be actually holding an exhibition here myself, over forty years later.  

“I very much hope that people get a better sense of my life as an artist and communicator, and can derive a similar sense of inspiration that I enjoyed from my visits there.”

Christine Rew, Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums manager added:

“We are delighted to host the only Scottish presentation of The House of Annie Lennox.  Growing up in the city Annie was a frequent visitor to the art gallery, and we are delighted that she has lent additional material for the Aberdeen showing.  The exhibition illustrates her vitality and passion for life. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the gallery and our visitors to pay tribute to her amazing career as singer, songwriter and campaigner, who has transformed the status of a generation of female performers.”

The exhibition is open until Saturday 29 September 2012.

Image credit:  ©Mike Owen

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Jun 072012
 

By Bob Smith. 

Her Majesty she his bin
Sixty ’ears “on the throne”
She maan hae a sair belly
Littin oot an antrin groan

A gweed laxative ‘tis needed
Ti aise the puir wumman’s woes
Efter sixty ’ears “on the throne”
Ye’d hae ti maximise the dose

Noo am nae an anti royalist
Nor a supporter o the croon
Bit “on the throne” aa iss time
Maan git Her Majesty doon

Raise a gless o Syrup o Figs
As a toast ti Her Majesty
 Efter sixty ’ears “on the throne”
Fae win micht she bide free

A ken richt weel wi iss poem
Een or twa micht nae see reason
An ca upon the powers aat be
Ti hae me jiled fer treason

QueenVictoria micht hae said
We are nae amused
Clap the mannie in irons
Iss canna be excused

So ony mail addressed ti me
An ma trial cwid need fundin
Jist sen it ti “The Poetry Mannie”
C/O The Tower o London 

©Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie” 2012
Image: Creative Commons © Terry Johnston
http://www.flickr.com/photos/powerbooktrance/

Feb 162012
 

By Belle Mont

Robbie, ma loon, jist turn aroon
Pit doon the daisy, boot up yer Mac
A twenty-first century parcel o rogues
Hell-bent on destroyin fit lies at your back.

Wallace, my friend, when it came to your end
You were tortured and flayed, stretched oot on the rack
But tak up yer shield to show we’ll nae yield
‘til the vandals and money-men are driven richt back.

Salvation, look doon o’er the apron afore ye
Verdant and colourful, unspiled and free
Replaced by a latter-day usurer’s temple?
Frown sternly upon those fa wish it to be.

Hey Byron min, look roon the corner
And wonder, ‘far’s next for concrete and tar?’
The Gairdens destroyed? The wreckers micht lobby
To fill in the corrie of dark Lochnagar

Granite-hewn monuments, proud parts of heritage
We call on your spirit, for now is the hour
And, toonsers a’wye – fae Bucksburn to Pointlaw
Save these great Gairdens. We have the power.

Belle Mont
February 2012

Feb 102012
 

With thanks to Catriona Yule.

A new creative writing group is being launched in Aberdeenshire.
Grassic Gibbon Writers Group has been set up by Grassic Gibbon Centre manager, Isabella Williamson, and will be led by local poet, playwright and short story writer Catriona Yule.

The meetings kick off on Friday 17 February at 10.30 am and will run for six weeks initially. Each informal session will support and encourage new writers through workshop exercises and constructive feedback. Anyone is welcome to come along.

Catriona told Aberdeen Voice: 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be involved with this writing group and feel that this is an exciting opportunity for any budding writer wanting to learn more and share their experiences. The Grassic Gibbon Centre plays a crucial part in maintaining the heritage of the Mearns area and in keeping Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s legacy alive. It seems only fitting that it should have its own writing group to continue his passion. He was a very gifted writer who achieved an incredible output in his short life,”

For further information, contact the Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott. Tel: 01561 361668.

www.grassicgibbon.com