The second artist to exhibit in the JIPB CUBE GALLERY. Ally Wallace is a Glasgow based artist who uses light and paper to develop large installations. The piece for the cube was a challenge to develop his process as an artist to attempt to downsize his work for this specific space.
Using simple means as a sheet of paper with concentric holes cut out, the work transforms from a lightweight and fragile material to the assemble work which gives the impression of solidity, from one view point and as you walk round the cube it fragments and become almost invisible, turn a corner and it becomes solid structure once more.
JIPB CUBE GALLERY
[BACKROUND]
The JIPB Cube Gallery is an international collaboration between four countries - France, Japan, Scotland and Denmark.
Jarnac in France,
Ichinomiya in Japan,
Portree in Scotland
Bøvlingbjerg in Denmark.
In May 2003 the ib Cube gallery was a result of an exchange between artists in Ichinomiya and Bøvlingbjerg and has since expanded over the last two years to successfully develop two new venues one in Jarnac (France) and one in Portree (Scotland), the only UK venue.
The catalyst for this project is to provide an opportunity to show new exciting developments in the contemporary practise of artists from different countries, and to raise and develop the awareness of contemporary art in rural locations. The curatorial brief insists the work produced remains new and experimental. Each venue sites an identical glass cube 80cm³ whereby the artists create a specific work for the gallery space. This work is exhibited at all four galleries and becomes part of a network, to develop a forum for dialogue, discussion and exchanges among artists.
In just two years the Cube Gallery has created an exciting reputation that shows new innovative challenging work. The forum has been able to express a raised interest among several artist groups in different countries, and it is foreseeable to imagine the Cube Gallery expanding in the future using this concept.
May 2006 will therefore see a selection of 3 French, 3 Japanese, 3 Scottish and 3 Danish artists exhibiting at each respective gallery for a period of one month.
An Tuireann is particularly keen to develop a network of artists to fulfil aspirations of International activity at the centre, as well as creating opportunities for Scottish artists to make new work and exhibit abroad. As the JIPB CUBE GALLERY is a unique space and the work generated for it will be site specific, it offers a fantastic opportunity for an artist to develop a new concept that may not be indicative of their current work.
The first Scottish Representatives are
LISA O’ BRIEN (may)
ALLY WALLACE (june)
CHRIS MAGINN (july)
LISA OBRIEN is the first artist to represent Scotland on the cube project, with a sound installation.
A black Perspex cube, reflects the surrounding environment, inside is a 5 min recording of the artists pacing her house as it become battered by the hurricane of Jan 06 that thrashed the West Coast of Scotland. Her piece creates an incredible amount of anxiety as the sounds of the wind fades in an out, and builds to a vibrating thunder. (image,attached)
Disturbance
Pacing inside the box, searching for a way out, trapped by darkness and the deafening roar of trees. Comfort from the intermittent radio signal confirming, - affirming your reality, announcing it to the country.
Storm cube represents the blackness and exhilaration of being in a remote village in the depths of a winter hurricane. Robbed of electricity, light and heat – with only sound and an invisible force battering at the windows to indicate what is happening outside.
Disturbance
Funders;
The Scottish Arts Council
Leader+
The Highland Council
If you would like further information or images about the project please contact;
Steven McKenzie | Curator
An Tuireann Arts Centre
Struan Road
Isle of Skye
IV51 9EG
e: steven@antuireann.org.uk
An Tuireann Arts Centre
Struan Road
Portree
Isle of Skye
IV51 9EG
t:01478 613306
e:exhibitions@antuireann.org.uk
www.antuireann.org.uk
