Visual Artist Rik Hammond has been appointed as Artist in Residence within Orkney’s World Heritage Site – The Heart of Neolithic Orkney as part of the Symbols in a Landscape project. Jointly managed by the Pier Arts Centre, Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) and Historic Scotland, Symbols in a Landscape aims to develop contemporary visual arts projects across the World Heritage Site.

Supported through funding from Scotland’s Islands the residency forms a key element of the year long celebrations. Further funding has been awarded from Creative Scotland and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to support the project.

Symbols in a Landscape brings together the parallel disciplines of art and archaeology in a unique and inspiring way and builds on the considerable interest in both fields of study that exists locally in Orkney and further afield.

Originally from Hastings in East Sussex Rik Hammond moved to Orkney from the north east of England in 2004. He studied Fine Art at Falmouth School of Art & Design in Cornwall and now lives and works in St Margaret’s Hope. Working in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, site-specific installation and photography the artist plans to use his background of working within community based projects developing participatory art workshops to aid the delivery of the project.

During the residency, which runs until March 2012, Rik will work alongside Ness of Brodgar archaeologists and Historic Scotland Rangers across the World Heritage Site to develop new projects in consultation with local communities.

Rik commented “I have a long term passion for archaeology and the concept of a critical and visual dialogue between art and archaeology feels very natural to me. Archaeologists say something about the human condition – via the remains of the human past – in a similar way to how visual artists do with their work. Artists and archaeologists both discover things and both disciplines can enrich each other – and the ‘document’ of cultural heritage – for the better, through this sort of project. I’m really excited to be embarking on the residency and have had an incredibly warm welcome from everyone on-site.”

During the project Rik will study the structure and setting of historic sites within the World Heritage Site including; Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness as well as some of the lesser known sites.

Initially Rik will spend time based at the dig at the Ness of Brodgar which continues until 24 August. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed a large complex of ‘monumental’ Neolithic buildings, ‘artwork’, pottery, bones and stone tools. In 2010, archaeologists found proof that Neolithic people were using paint to decorate their buildings as well as using stone “slates” as roofing material. Each summer the excavations attract thousands of visitors from around the world

A public open day will take place at the Ness of Brodgar on Sunday 21 August at which Rik will be happy to meet with visitors and discuss his ideas for the project. The open day runs from 12noon to 4pm.

Nick Card, Senior Project Manager at ORCA and Site Director at the Ness of Brodgar said “Archaeology has always been a multi-disciplinary subject. This residency will add yet another dimension to the excavation and further explore the growing relationship between art and archaeology. The Neolithic artwork on site is already the subject of archaeological study by Antonia Thomas, and it will be very interesting to see how Rik’s work perhaps compliments and uses this in his interpretations both of the Ness and the wider cultural landscape of the World Heritage Site”.

Symbols in a Landscape looks to consider ways in which Orkney’s landscape, culture and heritage can be interpreted through archaeological study and contemporary visual art – devising forms and actions that may help reveal notions of identity, belonging and place in a meaningful and lasting way.

Pier Arts Centre Curator Andrew Parkinson added “We are very pleased to have appointed Rik as the Scotland’s Islands artist in residence for the World Heritage Site. Rik’s work is lively and engaging and we look forward to seeing how things develop across the period of the residency. The work that has been carried out over the last couple of years relating to art and archaeology has been very intriguing and I am delighted that this opportunity to work directly with archaeologists at the Ness of Brodgar and across the World Heritage Site has proved possible.”

The Year of Scotland’s Islands initiative aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations. The programme, which includes over 100 events across 42 islands, will showcase the music, arts, food, sport and history of the islands, as well as highlight their unique beauty as visitor destinations.

The Scotland’s Islands initiative has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Other supporters who have contributed to the funding the programme include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.

For further information on the residency please visit the projects facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Symbols-in-a-Landscape-201112-Orkney-Art-Archaeology-Artist- Residency/261013693908965

For further information on the Scotland’s Islands initiative visit: www.scotlandsislands.com

Source: The Pier Arts Centre