A photographic exhibition of
Caithness and Sutherland landscapes
“…the whole point about
‘scenery’ is that it provides a backdrop against which the drama of our lives
is acted out, and this just as true in the context of Highland topography as it
is in the theatre.”
Ray McKenzie
Historical and Critical Lecturer
Glasgow School of Art
Landscape interpretation is
not just a matter of recording the physical aspects of the land, such as it’s
geological structure and the space in which it exists; equally important are
less tangible factors like memory and history and the passage of time. Time is
the dimension in which the meaning of a landscape unfolds, and it is registered
in this body of work as the constantly changing pattern of time itself.
There has always been a
romantic interpretation associated with imagery concerning the environment,
though whether these interpretations are false or idealized depends on the
opinion of the viewer. They do, however, reflect a spiritual interaction
between art and nature. In my personal opinion the relationship man has with
the natural environment is an amalgamation of survival, innate motherly love
and an overwhelming sense of infinite time.
It is relevant that we have
approached a momentous juncture in time. Established traditions and social
trends are rapidly disintegrating and, in turn, science and technology are
amazing us with their genius by revolutionizing lifestyles beyond
comprehension. The natural environment is a controversial issue within the
present social climate, and it is apparent that there is an ever-increasing
demand for the preservation and protection of many decreasing natural
ecosystems.
I find the landscapes of
Caithness and Sutherland quite extraordinary. There is an overwhelming energy
in the rugged battered coastlines and a powerful sense of history and
prehistory that saturates the land. The 180-degree horizon, which cradles an
abundance of weather from dawn to dusk, the sprawling landscapes that have
sustained man and the clarity of it’s light are only but a few of Caithness and
Sutherland’s physical qualities.
Kelli Lynn Abdoney
Kelli Abdoney was born in 1975 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but her childhood was spent exploring the natural wonderland of Scotland, a magical landscape that continues to inspire her.
details of reception will be coming soon