The first of three exhibitions of new works created by internationally acclaimed artists currently in residence at The Glenfiddich Distillery at Dufftown will open to the public on Saturday.
Located in the distillery’s onsite gallery, the first show will feature pieces created by Taiwanese artist Joyce Ho, Korean Han Won Suk, Canadian duo Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky and Hu Zi from China – five of the 11 international artists who will live and work at the distillery over the summer months.
Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence programme, said: “This programme has been running for 13 years, and we have welcomed over 100 artists from 18 countries around the world.
“The artists have an open brief to enjoy the experience and use it as a time to gain inspiration for their work. Each year, different aspects of being at Glenfiddich have acted as triggers for the creation of artwork – from the water used to make the whisky to the people who work here, the local heritage of the area, the countryside and the buildings. This year, several of the artists have been drawn to the materials linked to whisky production, especially the oak from casks and copper in the stills.”
Among the new pieces on show will be a collection of copper coins created by local people as part of a series of workshops held by Canadian artists Rhonda and Trevor.
The pair will also exhibit a delicate standing sculpture made from oak wood veneer shaved from Glenfiddich cask staves.
Taiwanese artist Joyce Ho has also found inspiration in Glenfiddich’s casks and will exhibit a number of paintings on cask ends, while Hu Zi, from China, will present a series of watercolour portraits. Renowned Korean artist and architect Han Won Suk has attempted to capture the sound of Scotland and spirit of Glenfiddich through an audio installation.
Canadian artist Rhonda Weppler said: “In May and June, we held a series of coin-making workshops at the distillery which were really well attended. Sixteen local people took part and each designed their own coin, sculpting the head and tail sides. I have taken moulds of these and cast them in copper, resulting in a beautiful and original collection which will be displayed as part of the new exhibition.”
Andy Fairgrieve added: “The artists involved in the first show have been living at the distillery for a couple of months. They have produced artworks across a spectrum of media including painting, sculpture, installations and audio and the end result is an intriguing range of work.
“This is the first of three exhibitions that we will be holding over the coming months. In total, 11 artists are taking part in our residency this year, but as some arrive, others leave. The rolling exhibition programme will give local people and visitors the opportunity to view a changing and evolving selection of works.”
The full list of artists participating in the 2014 residency is: Joyce Ho (Taiwan), duo Trevor Mahovsky and Rhonda Weppler (Canada), Tania Candiani (Mexico), Isidora Correa (Chile), Hugh Hayden (the US), Anna Hughes (UK), Han Won Suk (Korea), SUS033 (Spain), Chetnaa Verma (India) and Hu Zi (China).
The first Artists@Glenfiddich exhibition will be open to the public from this Saturday, July 19, to Sunday, August 17, from 12.30pm-5.30pm, Thursday-Sunday. Entrance is free. A preview event will be held at 6.30pm tomorrow, July 18, and will feature a live urban art performance by Spanish artist SUSO33. Subsequent exhibitions are planned to open on August 22 and September 26.
