The artists behind the Waterlines sculpture which marks the entrance of the Sir Duncan Rice Library will take part in a free public talk at the University of Aberdeen this weekend (Saturday, March 16).
Will Maclean and Marian Leven will discuss their work with members of the public at the Sir Duncan Rice Library and will provide an insight into the Waterlines sculpture, and also the exhibition of the same name which was inspired by it.
The sculpture, which celebrates Aberdeen’s maritime heritage and historic sculptured stones, was the first sculptural collaboration between the married couple, and the pair will return to the University to speak about the experience at Saturday’s event, which will be held from 2pm to 3pm.
The Waterlines sculpture is based on the form of the iconic Aberdeen fast sailing ship the Thermopylae. Built by Walter Hood and Co, she launched in 1868 and is considered to be the fastest sailing ship ever constructed.
Leven and Maclean are Fife based artists who have exhibited prolifically in Scotland and beyond. Their work is rooted in Scottish and Highland culture and landscape, with Maclean drawing on his formative career as a merchant seaman.
Waterlines marks the first sculptural collaboration between the artists, who met at Gray’s School of Art and have maintained close links with the area.
Chris Banks, University Librarian and Director of Library Special Collections and Museums, said: “The University is thrilled to be able to offer members of the public the opportunity to come along and hear from Will and Marian.
“The Waterlines sculpture punctuates the entrance of the Sir Duncan Rice Library. Will and Marian have created a rich and monumental sculpture that subsequently inspired the exhibition, which is proving extremely popular with the University and wider community.
“I am sure everyone who comes along to the talk will find it engaging and enjoyable, as this is a very special opportunity to hear from two of Scotland’s most highly regarded artists. It is fitting that the talk will take place on the seventh floor of the Sir Duncan Rice Library, which offers some of the best views in the city of the land and seascapes which influenced the creative process behind the sculpture.”
The talk is free to members of the public and takes place at the Sir Duncan Rice Library between 2pm and 3pm.
For further information or to book a place for the talk, please contact scc.events@abdn.ac.uk or call 01224 273049.