Sabhal Mòr Ostaig announces 2017 Jon Schueler Visual Artist in Residence
Visual artist David Lemm has been named Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI’s new Artist in Residence under the Jon Schueler Residency Programme, which has been running now for 5 years at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on the Isle of Skye.
Following the success of the past 4 years of residencies, and the international conference and exhibitions AN LINNE held at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig last year which celebrated the centenary of Jon Schueler’s birth by looking at Schueler’s life, paintings and continuing influence, the programme has been extended for a further 4 years with support from the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust and The Royal Scottish Academy. To date more than 1200 artists have applied from around the world. The programme complements the artist residency programme at Sabhal Mòr for Gaelic Writers, Drama Artists, Musicians and Visual Artists.
Based in Edinburgh, Lemm’s multidisciplinary approach spans various techniques and processes, including printmaking, mixed media and moving image.
Born in Kirkcaldy, Lemm studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee. He has been engaged in a broad range of projects through residencies, educational programmes, and commissions, and in recent years has held solo exhibitions at Edinburgh Printmakers (Debris and Phenomena, 2015) and House of Illustration, London (Mapping King’s Cross, 2016).
Kath MacLeod, Arts Development Officer at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:
“We are delighted that a Scottish based artist has been awarded the 2017 scholarship showing that our artists stand alongside the best from around the world in practising contemporary art. We are also delighted to be hosting and supporting an artist who is developing deeper links with Gaelic and the islands – he has previously worked in Skye with Atlas Arts and in Eigg where he was invited by Edinburgh University for a two-week residency as part of The Bothy Project. David has also enrolled in a week long Gaelic short course at Sabhal Mòr in the summer, before his residency begins.”
David Lemm:
“I’m really excited to have been awarded this scholarship. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to develop my work and I hope the experience will inform my practice for years to come. Having previously worked on Skye, I can’t wait to return to such a stimulating environment for an extended time and explore the place further.
The location and focus on Gaelic presents a fascinating opportunity to examine themes relating to language and its relationship with landscape. I’m also keen to use the time to experiment with new processes and look forward to exploring the exciting resources available at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig whilst engaging with the wider community.”
Lemm is particularly intrigued by the idea of a village being created around Sabhal Mòr, Kilbeg; the first planned new village in Skye in 100 years.
“I look forward to thoroughly exploring and considering the hidden potential of the landscape surrounding Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. In my wider practice, I aim to invite a relook and reimagining of built and natural environments alike and believe this to be a perfect opportunity to develop these ideas, whilst reflecting on how place may be created, understood and represented. “
The residency will run from 18th September to the 8th December. Please check Sabhal Mòr website for further updates on related events and the end of residency exhibition. www.smo.uhi.ac.uk
The Jon Schueler Scholarship is a unique international partnership between Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI and the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust, with support from the Royal Scottish Academy.