The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Fake news work wins artist prize
It has become a notorious phrase in media circles, particularly since being condemned by US president Donald Trump.
But now, it can be revealed that an Aberdeen artist, inspired by “fake news”, has won a major prize in a leading national art competition.
Lyndsey Gibb, 32, has been crowned the 21st National Open Art Scotland Artist of the Year for her creation, Misinformation, which depicts a factually inaccurate map with vital pieces of information cut away.
Ms Gibb graduated from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen in 2007 with a BA Hons in fine art printmaking and has subsequently worked in various roles in the arts in the city.
She said yesterday: “My work feels really relevant at the moment.
“It is based around the notion of taking for granted that things are true when they are delivered in a particular format.
“All the maps I use in my work have been discontinued, which means the information they contain is no longer correct. Misinformation is based on a sea chart, which measures depth, one of the things that is always changing.
“The land changes, the seas change, the seabed changes, and every so often they have to renew these maps because they are no longer factually correct.”
The artist’s work will be exhibited at the Oxo Tower’s Bargehouse in London during the 21st National Open Art Exhibition which will run from today until November 26.
It will appear alongside artworks from Gavin Turk’s Turkish Tulips Exhibition Portfolio, featuring works from such luminaries as Mr Turk, Damien Hirst, Yinka Shonibare MBE, Cornelia Parker and Sir Peter Blake, which is being included in NOA’s exhibition as part of its 21st birthday celebrations.
Ms Gibb, who has won £1,000 as part of her prize, learned of her success at a private viewing in the city last night.
She has just completed a fine art masters at Dundee University and also teaches printmaking. She is about to move to London where she intends to open up a printing workshop.
For more information about the exhibition, visit www.nationalopenart.org
“All the maps I use in my work have been discontinued”