News
Mart exhibition on 'Landward'
16/05/2007 17:17:00
THE farming community in Orkney are currently the focus for the
year-long project, Art and Agriculture, and a new exhibition of work by
Artist in Residence Rebecca Marr at the Orkney Auction Mart marks the
first public event in what looks to be a busy year.
BBC Scotland's agricultural series 'Landward' were at the mart to
preview the exhibition for an upcoming programme following the progress
of the project that is due to be screened in early June. The presenter
of the popular TV series, Euan Macllwraith, shadowed Rebecca over two
days around the county, including a visit to Colin Davidson at Skaill
to see his fine Aberdeen Angus herd.
The exhibition at the Mart is one of numerous projects that Rebecca has
been developing in collaboration with the farming community, with help
of the Pier Arts Centre and Orkney Auction Mart.
Fascinated by the subtle and discreet communication between bidder and
auctioneer, Rebecca wanted to use photography to explore the language
of bidding. Working in black and white on an old medium format camera,
she set up an outdoor studio at the mart. On show are the first twelve
farmers to agree to share their sign language.
The gestures range from a slightly raised eyebrow to a finger resting
on a cheek, a stare straight to the camera or a look away, each nod and
wink carrying the same meaning 'I want to buy that animal'. Private
signals in a public space.
The backgrounds of the photographs have been painted out in white thick
paint, Rebecca hopes this will help focus in on the bidding actions, 'I
wanted to capture a moment that was passing me by in the ring, slow it
down and have a good look'.
Rob Crichton, manager at Orkney Auction Mart, commented: "The subject
of the communication link between bidder and auctioneer is an
interesting topic for an artistic study. So much can be said in a
simple, discreet, gesture. The 'language' is often secretive and
Rebecca has had to break down barriers to deliver this exhibition."
Andrew Parkinson, exhibitions officer at the Pier Arts Centre added:
"We are really pleased with the way this twelve month project is
progressing.
'Working closely with the mart has been a real advantage and has
allowed Rebecca to get under the skin of the farming community. I know
that she is working on a number of other projects with farmers across
Orkney and I look forward to hearing responses to her current
exhibition."
The portraits of bidding farmers can also be found on mugs at the Mart
café, ensuring that in one way the exhibition continues after the work
comes off the walls - and gets the art into the hands of the farmers,
quite literally.
Rebecca has been distributing cameras to farmers and plans to mount an
exhibition of the resultant images, 'I have left it entirely open in
terms of what the farmers will photograph, I didn't want to determine
the outcome, that is up to the farmers themselves'.
The surprising collaboration between the Pier Arts Centre and Orkney
Auction Mart is part of Highland 2007 and the culture being celebrated
here is Agriculture. Also supported by the Scottish Arts Council and
Leader +, the project will run until December.
The exhibition, 'Bidding Gestures - private signals in a public place'
will be on display in the foyer of the Orkney Auction Mart until the
end of May.