Jon Schueler Centenary Symposium at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
The life and work of the internationally renowned artist, Jon Schueler, will be celebrated with an international arts symposium and exhibition marking the centenary of his birth.
‘An Linne’ (The Sound of Sleat): Echoes, Reflections and Transfigurations’ will take place at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on the Isle of Skye, from 27 – 29 May 2016, overlooking the Sound of Sleat, the inspiration for Schueler’s work over many decades.
Schueler moved to the small fishing village of Mallaig in 1957 where his work became imbued with the intense seascape and ever changing weather. Even after he returned to New York, his time in Mallaig became a touchstone for his preoccupation with the power of nature.
Magda Salvesen, Curator, Jon Schueler Estate, said:’The Sound of Sleat became to Schueler a place of experience, memory and mood. The specificity of this body of water fed Schueler’s paintings – their imagery enlarged through layers of memory. How appropriate and challenging that the symposium celebrating the artist’s centenary should be held on Skye, an island seen through changing weather from his studio in Mallaig.’
Marking the centenary year of Jon Schueler’s birth, this will be both an in-depth look at Schueler’s work and influence as well as a more informal celebration of his life with speakers who knew and worked with Schueler here in Scotland, alongside academic presentations. A solo exhibition of selected work from his Mallaig years, both oils and works on paper will open at the symposium alongside an exhibition by three international Jon Schueler Scholarship artists who undertook residencies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig 2013 – 2015, Takeshi Shikama, Helmut Lemke & Oliver Mezger.
Donnie Munro, Director of Development, Fundraising and the Arts at SMO said:’Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is delighted to be initiating, hosting, and co-promoting this important international visual art event, which celebrates the birth of internationally renowned artist, Jon Schueler, a prominent member of the New York School of Abstract Expressionist painters an artist who developed a profoundly deep experiential affinity with the Sound of Sleat, leading, arguably, to the production of some of his most celebrated works. Over the last 3 years and with the generous support of the Jon Schueler Trust, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has also hosted the Jon Schueler International Artist’s Residency and it is now most fitting that this important exhibition and symposium will now take place at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in this centenary year.’
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is also delighted that the fourth Jon Schueler Residency will take place at the College from 18 July to 7 October 2016. The Scholarship is open to international artists (including Scottish and UK) working to the highest level of contemporary professional practice in a visual medium and with a particular interest in landscape and the environment. Artists must have completed formal arts education at least 3 years previously. Entries must be in by 3 February.
For further information on the Residency Programme or the Jon Schueler Centenary Sypmosium and Exhibition, please see Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s website – http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/ealain-is-cultar/jon-schueler-centenary-symposium/ or e-mail js.smo@uhi.ac.uk