Four Schools Given National Stage at Library

Tue, 25 Nov 08 11:11:00

 

The National Library of Wales artist in residence, Blue McAskill and four schools across Wales are ready to unveil their work as her exhibition goes on show at the Library this week.

 

Blue McAskill was appointed as The National Library of Wales’ artist in residence in January 2008. Over the past year, Blue gained access to The National Library of Wales' vast and varied collections including many of the nation's treasures, including rare books, manuscripts, maps, photographs and paintings - not to mention the films and sound tapes.

 

As part of her residency Blue worked closely with 4 schools from across Wales; two primary schools: Tan-y-Castell Primary School, Harlech and Nantgaredig Primary School, near Carmarthen and two secondary schools in Mid-Wales: Bro Ddyfi High School in Machynlleth and Llanidloes High School. The school groups investigated the cultural links between the Library collections and their local communities through painting, film, photography and print.

 

Blue graduated from Wimbledon School of Art with a Masters in Fine Art in 2005 and since then Blue has shown films and exhibited throughout the UK as well as in South Africa, Sweden and Portugal and was also voted the most promising young filmmaker at The Swansea Bay Film Festival.

 

Blue MacAskill adds, "Before I came to the National Library as artist-in-residence, I had seen the library, but I had no idea of the extent of the extraordinary collections that are housed here. I’ve learnt so much in my residency year - I even found out that my great uncle Dr E A Lewis helped set up the Library’s manuscripts department.”

 

The exhibition tells the story of Blue’s discoveries during her year in residence and shows artworks that form a personal portrait of her experiences at the library. It also includes the reaction of the school children to the Library’s fabulous collections which are of both local and national as well as international interest.

 

Blue MacAskill's exhibition can be seen at The National Library of Wales from 28 November - 31 January 2009.

 

The artist in residence project is in collaboration with Safle, the Public Art Organisation for Wales, which is funded by the Arts Council of Wales.

 

For further information please contact Blue MacAskill or visit the Artist in Residence page.

 

Press Office

Medi Jones-Jackson

medi.jones-jackson@llgc.org.uk

01970 632 534