Andy Goldsworthy OBE (b.1956) is based near Thornhill and is an internationally renowned sculptor and photographer, best known for his site-specific work with natural materials such as ice, snow and stone.
Kirkcudbright Galleries is delighted to partner with the Gracefield Arts Centre Collection in bringing this exhibition to The Mitchell Gallery. Showcasing a selection of Goldsworthy’s early photographic works including Winter Harvest, which was created as a large-scale book and is now framed for gallery display.
Andy Goldsworthy studied at Bradford College of Art and Preston Polytechnic. Most of his life has been spent in the North of England, either in Yorkshire or Cumbria, during which time he worked for a period as a gardener. In 1983 he moved to Langholm in the borders, and later settled in Dumfriesshire. This exhibition displays early photographs of his extraordinary sculptures in the natural world, using only materials which he finds around him. These refined, yet highly complex constructions are something that appeal to all ages. His connection to the natural landscapes and their elemental changes is a theme that runs throughout this exhibition:
“Working with nature means working on nature’s terms. I cannot stop the rain falling or a stream running. If I did, it would no longer be raining and the stream would dry up.
Movement, change, light, growth and decay are the lifeblood of nature, the energies that I try to tap through my work.”Speaking on ‘Andy Goldsworthy: Winter Harvest’, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said: “This exhibition provides a good opportunity to highlight the wonderful artworks that are held in the Dumfries and Galloway Council Arts and Museums Collection. Andy is an internationally renowned artist, residing in our beautiful rural area that gives us opportunities to consider and rethink how we view nature.”
Vice Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon added: “Andy Goldsworthy is a well-loved and highly regarded contemporary artist, we are excited for the new opportunities this brings in terms of developing new audiences for Kirkcudbright Galleries. It’s fantastic that they can partner with The Gracefield Arts Centre Collection that showcases the calibre of contemporary works Gracefield presents.”
The exhibition is on show until 2 June. Kirkcudbright Galleries’ winter hours are currently: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 3:30pm, and Sundays: 11:30 – 3:30pm. From Monday 1 April, Kirkcudbright Galleries moves into summer hours which, for the Mitchell Gallery, are Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4:30pm, and Sundays: 11:30-4:30pm.
