Idea as Model

Idea as Model - Greenock 2023 was a residency which culminated in an exhibition of my work alongside members of the Open Studio group (aged 11-14 yrs) at RIG Arts. The exhibition takes it’s name from the 1976 New York exhibition Idea as Model which explored the idea that a model of a building is not the equivalent to a building, rather a thing of and in itself.

Over March-July 2023 the group and I explored model making in various forms including the construction of mini theatres, film sets, dream gardens and edible landmarks. We made models in response to a brief set by local architect Bruce Newlands and took inspiration from artists such as Song Dong, Zaha Hadid, Otto Foky, David Hockney, Marc Chagall, Niki de Saint Phalle and Manami Sasaki to name a few.

The group took a playful DIY approach to making their models using re-purposed everyday materials imaginatively and critically. The Idea as Model- Greenock 2023 exhibition included a selection of new models for Greenock- reimagined landmarks alongside buildings that were dreamt up and presented to the audience for exploration, discussion and interaction.

The residency and exhibition were funded by the Inverclyde Culture Collective and Creative Scotland, with support from RIG Arts and the Beacon.