Interior Dialogue exhibition

Interior Dialogue is an exhibition of three works by significant Scottish artist Christine Borland. Two of the artworks on show are Oval Interior and Interior Dialogue (pictured) which were created in response to Borland’s long-held emotional and intellectual engagement with Barbara Hepworth’s work, and in particular Oval Sculpture, 1943.

The works have been deliberately sited alongside Barbara Hepworth’s Archaean so that the correlation between the works can be explored.

The third work on display is Common Groins (mixed media, 2003).

Using forms derived from mathematical models, the sculptures trace out three different kinds of architectural arch forms in space. They have been made by combining traditional and contemporary materials and processes: 3-D printing and threading with cordage made from nettle fibre. The use of natural fibres ‘woven’ into the forms, introduces an ancient, hand-working technique to disrupt the scientific method displayed in the original mathematical models which were commissioned by the Science Museum, London in 1872. These models, made to illustrate research and for use in teaching, influenced the mid-20th Century sculpture of the group of avant-garde artists which included Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.

Each academic year, all of the Art Collection’s exhibitions, events and workshops are directly inspired by one of the University research themes. In 2023-24 our chosen focus is Inspired! in which we celebrate how the beautiful University of Stirling campus and our collections have inspired creativity in many ways.