The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Artist plans to head Down Under thanks to Fergusson award
Example of artist’s work will be added to Fergusson Gallery collection
A young Scottish illustrator and sculptor is to travel half-way around the world thanks to the enduring legacy of an artist who has become synonymous with Perth.
The JD Fergusson Arts Award Trust aims to encourage promising Scottish artists by giving an annual award.
Awards are given in alternating years for exhibition and travel.
This year’s travel award winner is Jennifer Argo, a visual artist, illustrator, sculptor and graduate of Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, who is originally from the north-east.
Yesterday she was in Perth to receive the £4,000 award that will allow her to head to New Zealand for two months.
“I am really excited. It is a great opportunity,” said Jennifer, 28.
She studies the structure of nature on a large and small scale, from constellations and sites of special geological interest, down to those of neural cells, molecular tissue and botanical structures.
Her proposal to undertake a period of research and exploration in New Zealand, to gather imagery and gain inspiration from its unique landscape stood out for the judges, and fits well with the national theme of Innovation, Architecture and Design for 2016.
Following her journey to New Zealand, Jennifer hopes to create new sculptural and illustrative work as well as architectural installations and habitats.
The visit will also feed into Jennifer’s collaborative practice with architects, creating sanctuary spaces.
An example from the resulting body of work will be selected for inclusion in the Fergusson Gallery’s permanent collection in a gallery dedicated to the artist on Perth’s Tay Street.
To view images of the artist’s recent work and projects go to www.jenniferargo.com
Airborne, the exhibition of work by 2015 Exhibition Award winner Sushiela Jamieson, is on show at the Fergusson Gallery until Tuesday.
The JD Fergusson Art Award is open to all artists who were born in Scotland or have spent more than half their life here, are not currently in full-time education and have not received any major awards within the last two years.