Mhairi Killin Artists Statement
Over the last twenty years Mhairi Killin has emerged as a distinctive voice in Scottish Contemporary Art. The recipient of many awards including an SAC Creative Development Award in 2007 the artist has consistently challenged public perception and expectation of Fine Art and Craft disciplines.
The artist’s family history of silversmithing and weaving together with study at Glasgow School of Art (BA Honours, Embroidered & Woven Textiles), Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee (Master of Philosophy, Public Art) and studies in Field Archaeology at Glasgow University have informed the artist’s ongoing exploration of her environment past and present. Throughout the development of her studio practice Killin has drawn inspiration from the rich artistic traditions of her maternal home on the Isle of Iona where she has established a gallery and studio, developing the site in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland.
A contributor to An Leabhar Mòr Great Book of Gaelic in 2002, a collaborative project exhibited in GOMA Glasgow, Ireland, Canada, France, Vienna, Russia and USA, the artist has exhibited widely and is represented private collections in the UK, USA, Japan, Australia, Norway, Spain and Canada.
Research and travel in Scandinavia, North America and the Baltic Republics have contributed to the artist’s conception of the potential role of the artist and creative process within a built environment. In the mid 1990’s models of engagement with artists on public art projects in America, Finland and Denmark have influenced the artist’s ongoing exploration of visual landscape in urban and rural contexts.
The impact of Design and visual literacy within a culture remains a potent area of investigation in her latest solo exhibition Absent Voices. This line of enquiry can be traced through the artist’s earlier residency work and public art projects in Dundee and Coatbridge Heritage Museums and Cove Park, Argyll.
A highly accomplished artist and inspirational speaker Killin has addressed artist forums and conferences and has taught as a visiting lecturer at Scarborough College of Art, Leith School of Art ,Edinburgh, Glasgow School of Art and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee.
(0)1681 700121
Isle of Iona
PA76 6SJ
Argyll
Scotland
UK