Low-Rise, High-Function Exhibition
Ally Wallace worked as Artist in Residence at the University of Stirling’s Pathfoot Building 2016-2017 on a self-initiated project funded by Creative Scotland. He made work focused on Pathfoot’s modernist architecture in relation to the art collection housed in it, the surrounding landscape and the people who use the building.
A note from the artist
Architecture is a common theme in my work and it was through my ongoing interest in modernist buildings that I came to University of Stirling to make artwork that focuses on the Category A listed Pathfoot Building - to take a close look at its design and function in relation to the surrounding landscape and the Art Collection housed here.
With support from Creative Scotland's Open Project Fund and the University's Art Collection Department, I undertook a 6-month artist's residency at Pathfoot in 2016/17, during which time I spent two days a week here - making artwork that is inspired by the modernist design of the building and its picturesque location. Much of my time was spent sketching and videoing in and around the building, as well as talking to people who work here, to gain an overall understanding of the place - how it functions and how people feel about it as a place to work, study or visit. The artwork that I produced during the residency is exhibited here in the gallery and deals with various elements of Pathfoot - its architecture, people, furniture, landscaping and art.
Designed by architects RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson-Marshall) and completed in 1967, Pathfoot was the first building to be constructed on the campus of the newly established University of Stirling - one of the new 'Plate Glass' universities built throughout the UK in the modernist style during the 1960's. The building comprises a series of corridors and courtyards, arranged in stepped formation on a hillside location. Light, airy open spaces offer views of the courtyards and surrounding parkland. Temporary exhibitions and artworks from the permanent collection are shown throughout the building, creating a very stimulating teaching and learning environment.
I hope that my work will convey something about how Pathfoot's architecture relates to the surrounding landscape and the Art Collection housed throughout the building and how those elements combine to create a pleasant environment to spend time in.
Opening times
Please note that the Pathfoot Building and the Art Collection based in this building is open Monday to Friday only from 9am to 5pm.
Further information
Find more about the residency at the artist's blog:
https://allywallacedotorg.wordpress.com/
and for more on Ally's work see his website:
The exhibition is free to attend and open to all.
For further information please contact the Art Collection at art.collection@stir.ac.uk.