Bonhoga Gallery is proud to present an exhibition of specially commissioned, site specific work by artist Susan Leask, who is part of a Scalloway family who left Shetland to live in Glasgow. Those who left, those who stayed will be showing at Bonhoga Gallery from 16 June – 29 July. The public opening is Friday 15 June, 5.30 – 7.30.
The work has stemmed from a month long residency Susan completed at the Booth in Scalloway in July 2010. During this time Susan spoke to Shetlanders to find out where they went, why they stayed, why some returned and how they kept in touch with family back home whilst away. The residency was funded through Homecoming Scotland, and facilitated by Shetland Arts for an artist who lived away from Shetland but had connections to the Isles and who would explore the notion of Shetland’s diaspora through their work.
Sammy Leask, Susan's Grandfather, at the helm of the Racer – Lapwing, c1930
Susan lives and works in Liverpool, and although her father was from Shetland, she had not visited the islands since she was a child. Her father was one of six surviving children born in the first decade of the 20th century. He was one of three siblings who left the islands. The other three stayed.This exhibition is a direct response to conversations had and stories she was told whilst in Shetland and includes drawings, photography and lightworks. Susan is an installation artist who has created and exhibited work all over the world. She makes works in a variety of materials for both indoor and outdoor sites. Most of the work involves rigorous research into each location, looking at the history, geography and social aspects of the site.
Clair Aldington, Visual Arts Development Officer for Shetland Arts said, “Shetland Arts is delighted to have worked with Susan over the last couple of years to develop this exhibition, which we hope will have resonances with many people through its strong connections with Shetland, and through Susan’s exploration of her own story, as well as the stories of others. Susan has created the work specifically for Bonhoga so it will be a contrasting exhibition to those shown recently in the gallery.”
Bonhoga Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10.30 - 4.30 and Sunday 12.00 - 4.30. Admission is free.
