This Autumn for JUPITER+, Jupiter Artland’s nation-wide art and learning programme, Paisley- born Anya Gallaccio will take over an unoccupied shop space, coating the walls with layers of decadent chocolate.
The work, on show to the public for the first time in West Scotland, will engage the senses and restage a prolific example of Gallacio’s extraordinary use of materials.
The iconic installation which covers an entire room in dark, beautifully scented chocolate will be viewable at 18 High Street, Paisley. The project coincides with the artist having a major retrospective and a further prestigious commission across the UK also in the coming year. The work will be exhibited in Paisley from 7th September to 31 December.
Stroke is part funded by Future Paisley, a cultural regeneration partnership programme, led by Renfrewshire Council, which uses the power of arts, heritage and culture to impact social and economic change.
JUPITER+ is a creative project by Jupiter Artland that promotes greater agency and activism in young people by bringing world-class contemporary artwork to high streets throughout Scotland.
As well as being available for the public to view, young people from every high school, college and community group across Renfrewshire will be invited to explore Gallaccio’s work with the JUPITER+ Learning Team. Through these sessions, they will receive mentorship and coaching, developing creative self-expression and the ability to take actions which influence the world around them.
Photo: Anya Gallaccio
Photo Credit: Nicky Wilson
Running concurrently with the programme, JUPITER+ ORBIT – a collective of 16 to 18-year-olds residing in Renfrewshire and nearby local authorities – will receive mentorship and support. This youth-led collective will visit major exhibitions and artworks, inspiring them to create their own real-life creative projects and use their voice to effect change. An education studio will be set up in the Paisley Centre, High Street, opposite the shop and installation.
Alongside Gallaccio’s first ever artistic return to where she was born, she has also won the commission for the Aids Memorial London and will have a major retrospective exhibition of her work staged at Turner Contemporary, Margate, opening to coincide with the project in Paisley. Work by Gallaccio can also be seen on permanent display at Jupiter Artland, near Edinburgh.
The artist said, “It’s very special to show in Paisley and to be bringing ‘Stroke’ to the heart of the community. Jupiter + Paisley will give young people access to the work and I hope it both challenges and delights them . Teaching creative subjects in schools is essential , even more so today and I am thrilled that ‘Stroke’ is being used as a focus on young people learning agency and finding their creative activism”
“Over the years of working with Anya my respect for her work has deepened – she always thinks about material in a magical alchemical manner… creating extraordinary moments where one matter becomes another. This is the stuff that ignites imagination and allows for freedom of thought so valuable for a young person and yet so rarely created – we are looking forward to harnessing this power for the young people of Paisley.” said Nicky Wilson, Founder and Director, Jupiter Artland
Cultural Regeneration Lead for Future Paisley, Katie Nicoll, said, “I’m thrilled that Anya Gallaccio is returning to the place of her birth by bringing a truly immersive cultural experience to Paisley town centre that is sure to delight and inspire all who visit it. I’m particularly delighted that a number of Renfrewshire young people will participate in the JUPITER+ ORBIT mentorship programme. This aligns with one of Future Paisley’s key priorities, to broaden young people’s access to art and cultural activity in the areas they live.
“The ambition is that by opening up access to art through participation in this youth-led collective, we can support young people in the area to broaden their horizons and consider all opportunities available to them. The fact Anya is also connected to the area further helps to illustrate what’s possible and I’m sure will help empower another generation to consider future creative paths they may not have otherwise considered.”
Photo: Anya Gallaccio ‘Stroke’ from 2014
Photo courtesy of Jupiter Artland :: Photo credit: Ruth Clark