Inch Kenneth is an exhibition by artists collective 6°WEST which is taking place at St. Oran’s Chapel, Isle of Iona from 15th – 22nd October 2011. (With an opening event – from 2-3pm on Saturday 15th October).

The island of Inch Kenneth and its extraordinary house welcomed 6°WEST in June 2011 for a unique artists’ residency. An exhibition of a suite of prints from this residency will be shown at St Oran’s Chapel, Iona.

Artist members of the collective Anne Devine, David Faithfull, Mhairi Killin, Veronica Slater and curator Alicia Hendrick were ferried from Mull to the island to explore and spend time in residence at Inch Kenneth House. They were joined by photographer Shannon Tofts and art critic Georgina Coburn who documented their work. This residency afforded the group an opportunity to explore the multiple histories, ecology and geology of the island.

St Oran’s Chapel will house an exhibition of commissioned prints by each of the participating artists, developed from their residency on Inch Kenneth. The work will be experienced by candlelight as the chapel like Inch Kenneth house has no mains electricity. These prints will be accompanied by a series of photographic sketchbooks containing images by Shannon Tofts selected by each artist reflecting their time on the island. A commissioned essay by Georgina Coburn sets the work of 6°WEST in a contemporary art context.

Inch Kenneth is a culturally significant island with a fascinating history. It has its place in the sculptural tradition which flourished in the Middle Ages; a collection of medieval stone carvings survive in its 13th Century chapel. Boswell and Johnson visited its shores in 1773 as part of their tour of the Hebrides and in the 1940s it became the home to the eccentric Mitford Family. Historically there are strong links between the islands of Iona and Inch Kenneth, so 6°WEST is delighted to be given permission by Historic Scotland to show this new work at St Oran’s Chapel.

6°WEST received funding from Argyll and Bute Council, HI-Arts and Creative Scotland for their artists’ residency on the island of Inch Kenneth as part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands.

For more information: http://6degreeswest.blogspot.com

Details:

• Location: Isle of Iona
• Name of exhibition: Inch Kenneth by 6°WEST artist collective
• Description: The island of Inch Kenneth and it’s extraordinary house welcomes 6°WEST in June 2011 for a unique artist’s residency. An exhibition of a suite of prints developed from this residency will be shown at St. Oran’s Chapel.
• Date: 15-22nd October, 2011.
• Venue: St. Oran’s Chapel. Isle of Iona
• Time: Dawn until dusk
• Tel: 07590385571
• Contact: http://6degreeswest.blogspot.com/