A Japanese artist inspired by one of the north-east’s most beloved stately homes will show off his work at the property.
Atsuo Hukuda’s collection of contemporary works has been influenced by the Georgian architecture of Duff House in Banff, and now it will go on show this weekend.
Mr Hukuda’s “small-scale installations” use materials which are used throughout the Baroque manor and combine historic architecture with the artist’s modern interpretation of Japanese painting.
The exhibition – titled Suki-Mono: Ways Since Rin-Pa – will go on public view on Sunday for seven weeks. The event marks Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.
Duff House manager Graeme Curran said: “This small international showcase, formed from original works created in a direct artistic response to Duff House, is an exciting first.
“The Atsuo Hukuda exhibition is a rare opportunity for our visitors to discover more about this form of traditional Japanese painting technique, as well as the artist himself and how the house, its architecture and design helped inspire him.”
Duff House, run by Historic Environment Scotland, already has work by prominent artists including El Greco and Henry Raeburn on permanent display.
This latest exhibition is being held in partnership with the artist and curator Naoko Mabon.
Mr Hukuda said: “This is a cross-cultural exhibition between the western architectural space of Duff House, and one of the
Japanese traditional styles called ‘Ajiro’ wickerwork patterns.
“It explores the possibility of contemporary art today through achieving a site-specific installation inspired by both Scotland, the western world and Japan.
“The natural light and scenery seen through each gap in the ‘Ajiro’ patterns on the window panes will be only realised with the building, art and the viewers.”
Suki-Mono: Ways Since Rin-Pa at Duff House opens to the public on Sunday and runs until Sunday, October 23. This exhibition is included in the cost of admission to the house and is free for members.
