An Tobar would like to invite you to the opening night of our new  exhibition ‘Is A Thing Lost… If You Know Where It Is?’ by Ian Stephen.

The title comes from a family story from Lewis. The cook has thrown all the cutlery over the side of the boat along with the washing up water. He breaks the news to the skipper by posing the question – Is a thing lost….. if you know where it is?

This exhibition explores storytelling in many forms. Originated by Ian Stephen, working with several artistic partners, linking Scottish mainland arts organizations and the Island arts centres in Orkney, Lewis, Uist and Mull.

Ian has looked back on several journeys, usually by sea and he and other artists also tell the stories of new voyages, made during the project. The log of these explorations is told in different ways by the photographers, painters, print-makers, film-makers and musicians involved. There are drawings, sculptures, videos, music, installations  – and there is a range of works made by linked artists in collaboration. But all of these artists are essentially storytellers in the project.

This show has become a chart, tracing a route, told in stories along the sea-roads.

Collaborating artists include:

Emmanuelle Waeckerlé , Peter Urpeth, Maggie Nicols, Colin Myers, Louise Milne, Joe Mahony, Sean Martin, John McNaught, Andy Mackinnon, Pat Law, Sandra Kennedy, and school pupils from the Western Isles

Look out for details of events later in October where you can hear Ian tell some of the stories live.

The opening night is the 15th September, 6.30- 8.30pm. Refreshments will be served, everyone is welcome to attend.

The exhibition runs from the 16th Sept – 29th Oct.

Source: An Tobar