Artist graduates with links to Highlands unveil milestone exhibition at Wasps Creative Academy
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It is the first of five exhibitions from emergent visual artists as part of the Circus Artspace’s Graduate Associates programme.
Eight arts graduates from Scottish art schools with connections to the Highlands are showing work at Wasps’ Inverness Creative Academy from yesterday until Saturday.
The exhibition will include sculpture, painting, film installation and performance around the theme of identity from artists Becki Kirkwood, Erin Semple, Evija Laivina, Hester Grant, Holly Osborne, Jacqueline Briggs, Robert McCormack and Sadie Stoddart.
The onset of the global pandemic has accelerated concerns around the individual with a new intensity around themes of character, behaviour, identity, the body, and attention.
The title of the exhibition is a play on identity, recognising the digital impact of the past year, particularly on young people.
Circus’ Graduate Associates is a development programme for emergent visual artists in the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. It is delivered in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands UHI) and supported by XpoNorth, Creative Scotland and the Hope Scott Trust.
Rachel Fermi, programme leader (joint) of the BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices at UHI, said: "We are excited to see this exhibition programme come together after close collaboration with Circus Artspace.
"It showcases the next generation of talented artists in the region, bridging the gap between recent graduates' educational experiences and a freelance career in the sector.
"This forward thinking is exactly what is needed to help graduates build their profile, confidence, and practice.
"We also hope it helps encourage these talented arts graduates that it is possible to create a sustainable arts practice while living in rural and semi-rural areas like the Highlands and Islands."
Alex Smith, XpoNorth project manager, said: 'Transitioning from academia into a professional practice can be a complex and challenging process and we're delighted to support the innovative work of Circus Artspace in delivering impactful opportunities for new artists to more successfully navigate this path.
"Designing meaningful platforms to showcase the diversity and quality of the work being produced by participants on the Graduate Associates programme is incredibly important, and we're looking forward to continuing to support the project as it develops."
Over the course of 10 months Circus Artspace has supported the first cohort to develop the confidence and critical skills needed to thrive within the visual arts.
Aiming to build a supportive community of practice in the face of Covid-19 and increased isolation as well as open up new opportunities for recent graduates across the region.
Through regular online training, a peer review summer school as well as different opportunities to show their work, the programme was structured to encourage dialogue with peers and help navigate career pathways during these uncertain times.
The exhibition is supported by a free publication which can be collected in person and will conclude with a free closing event on Saturday from 6pm until 9pm.
• For more info on all the forthcoming exhibitions visit the Circus Artspace website.
