Blairmore artist showcases Endangered Language installation

Blairmore-based artist Tracey Exton could be about to hit the road with her award-winning Endangered Languages Project installation.

The artwork, which was recognised with the RSA New Contemporaries Award and John Gillies Award in 2024, features over 2,500 languages, identified by UNESCO as likely to become extinct by the end of the 21^st century, hand-printed onto 50 meters of delicate muslin.

Tracey’s installation will be officially launched on Saturday 5^th April at The Barony in West Kilbride with an accompanying performance of Scottish Gaelic songs and poetry.

Tracey, a member of the Cowal Open Studios network who are currently exhibiting at The Barony, explained: “I am hoping to get Creative Scotland funding in order to tour the Endangered Languages installation across The Highlands and islands of Scotland where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken.

“The artwork could also tour internationally with the soundscape changing to reflect endangered regional languages.

“The installation is described as a poignant exploration of linguistic loss and cultural fragility. It is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, transforming as it moves across different locations, with the artwork reconfiguring itself to engage with each new space.

“There’s a profound loss in regional language extinction and I’m inviting audiences to listen, reflect and participate in preserving the richness of linguistic diversity for future generations,” added Tracey.

For more information visit www.traceyexton.art and www.cowalopenstudios.co.uk

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Continuing press coverage for COS weekend in September – Dunoon Observer & Lochside Press & Argyllshire Advertiser

Cowal Open Studios, a network of artists and makers, is putting out a call for new members as it prepares for a new programme of activities in 2025.

The group, which currently includes around 50 artists and makers, is due to hold its ever popular, annual Open Studios trail weekend at the end of September (26th to 29th).

Vice chair Hans Calvert said: “We are keen to boost membership and welcome more artists and makers into our organisation.

“There’s a lot to be said for a community approach and we are well aware that there are many creative folk across our corner of Argyll that could benefit greatly from being part of our network.

“We currently have many artists and makers as members but we are here to represent and promote all artistic genres.

“We want to raise the reach and awareness of our group, with a view to making Cowal a national hub for artists, makers and creatives with a similar profile to places like St Ives in Cornwall.

“That is the vision and we aspire to be representative of all creative disciplines. We certainly have the inspirational scenery for it!”

The Open Studios ‘ Arts and Crafts Trail ‘ across Cowal runs from 26th -29th September and offers the chance to see artists and makers in their working spaces.

“We will open our doors again in late September for the four-day event that always attracts the interest of local people and many visitors who regularly travel to Cowal for the event,” added Hans, a Sandbank-based painter.

Membership details and an application form are available on the website or email Hans direct for more information – cowalopenstudios@gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE – Member applications for 2025 close on 14th March.