Industry inspires art for new exhibition

An exhibition inspired by local marine engineering firm Malakoff is opening at Bonhoga Gallery on Friday.

The diverse range of work is by the four category winners of last year’s Shetland Open exhibition; Susan Timmins, Ana Arnett, Cheryl Jamieson and Fionn Arnett.

With financial and professional support from Shetland Arts, the four artists have created a new body of work for the show.

Exhibitions officer Jane Matthews, said: “The artists hit upon the idea of using the Malakoff as their starting point, so we approached company director Dougie Stevenson, who was hugely supportive.

“Each artist has taken inspiration in a different way, either from the colours, materials or folk at work, which makes a fascinating narrative to the exhibition”.

Susan Timmins, whose installation includes more than 100 photographs, said: “It reflects my experience of the Malakoff over a five month period: red buildings, red boiler suits; welding, grinding, cutting; blasting, painting; diving; boats winched up the slip, boats released; nuts, bolts, pipes, rods; flashes, sparks; voices echoing; singing, whistling; sudden silences. I was always mindful that the camera is intrusive and that my questions were numerous. I am very grateful to everyone at the Malakoff for their patience and good humour.”

Glass artist Cheryl Jamieson added: “I’ve always loved da Nuthoose at da Malakoff and this led to me designing panels that are nut-shaped, featuring sea inspired decoration. It’s been a great experience for me, especially working with the others, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.”

The exhibition includes historical information about the business and some bizarre artefacts collected from across the world bearing the same name, Malakoff.

The public opening of the exhibition is on Friday from 6pm to 7.30pm and the show then runs until 31st May. The annual Bairns’ Open is in the lower gallery, also themed for this year, around industry.