Installation Art - A New Chapter
Constructed during our 'crafternoon' meetings, and to be proudly displayed at the Art Exhibition, the 'New Chapter' installation consists of music, art, and poetry. The installation, which will include interactive opportunities for visitors to the exhibition, features:
Altered Books
This display of 307 altered books represents the 307 years of the Union. The process of altering books, whatever their content (fact or fiction, prose or poetry, biography or novel, legal texbook or recipe book), gives them all a fundamental change of purpose - they are no longer there to be 'read' but must be viewed as an anonymous object (cover removed, story no longer accessible). A series of photographs of individual examples testifies that every piece, re-formed and renewed is distinctive and significant in its own right. Arranged together, they're even more powerful: a strong artistic statement and a unique work of art.
The interactive element involves the public folding books, or re-arranging the display. The gradual, painstaking methodical process of folding may remind participants that much effort is required to create something new and beautiful: re-arranging the books into different shapes and combinations may remind them that people have different perspectives of what the new Scotland might look like. We must work together to make it a success.
Major change such as independence will benefit from the sustained effort and action of individuals working together and the distinctive contributions we can all make. We all have a role to play.
Urn for the Ashes of the Union
A large papier mache urn, symbolic resting place for the ashes of the political union between Scotland and England which has now reached its natural end. Respectfully, the urn will be sealed and marked thus:
United Kingdom
1707 - 2014
All Things Pass
A New Chapter
Three high-profile artists are collaborating on the 'new chapter'. The 'story' will take the form of a new poem written by Professor Robert Crawford, poet; presented within an art work contributed by Isabell Buenz, paper artist; enhanced by the music of Richard Ingham, international saxophonist.
As the referendum debate, progresses, a new ‘script’ is emerging: shaped not only by the experience of a Union that has lasted 307 years, but also by a developing national confidence, it is grounded in our own folklore: draws on a resurgence of cultural tradition, a distinctive sense of Scottish identity and on deeply held communitarian values. It expresses the hopes, aspirations and expectations of our nation.
We crafternooners think that in some strange way, we're making our desires concrete: making things happen. There will be a radical shift in perspective. There will be an end to this Union.
Altered Books
This display of 307 altered books represents the 307 years of the Union. The process of altering books, whatever their content (fact or fiction, prose or poetry, biography or novel, legal texbook or recipe book), gives them all a fundamental change of purpose - they are no longer there to be 'read' but must be viewed as an anonymous object (cover removed, story no longer accessible). A series of photographs of individual examples testifies that every piece, re-formed and renewed is distinctive and significant in its own right. Arranged together, they're even more powerful: a strong artistic statement and a unique work of art.
The interactive element involves the public folding books, or re-arranging the display. The gradual, painstaking methodical process of folding may remind participants that much effort is required to create something new and beautiful: re-arranging the books into different shapes and combinations may remind them that people have different perspectives of what the new Scotland might look like. We must work together to make it a success.
Major change such as independence will benefit from the sustained effort and action of individuals working together and the distinctive contributions we can all make. We all have a role to play.
Urn for the Ashes of the Union
A large papier mache urn, symbolic resting place for the ashes of the political union between Scotland and England which has now reached its natural end. Respectfully, the urn will be sealed and marked thus:
United Kingdom
1707 - 2014
All Things Pass
A New Chapter
Three high-profile artists are collaborating on the 'new chapter'. The 'story' will take the form of a new poem written by Professor Robert Crawford, poet; presented within an art work contributed by Isabell Buenz, paper artist; enhanced by the music of Richard Ingham, international saxophonist.
As the referendum debate, progresses, a new ‘script’ is emerging: shaped not only by the experience of a Union that has lasted 307 years, but also by a developing national confidence, it is grounded in our own folklore: draws on a resurgence of cultural tradition, a distinctive sense of Scottish identity and on deeply held communitarian values. It expresses the hopes, aspirations and expectations of our nation.
We crafternooners think that in some strange way, we're making our desires concrete: making things happen. There will be a radical shift in perspective. There will be an end to this Union.