Join_Link Add.

The exhibition is a digital interactive installation created by artist Rory Laycock and a group of young people across the Glenkens aged 11-18 focusing on the importance of their current generation, of ‘Gen Z’ and what has meaning and importance to them. It is a response to the young people's experiences and identities online, using digital modes of communication and creative practices.

The installation was formed through the culmination of workshops in which the group explored how technology as a tool can provide different and new ways to approach thinking and produce visual art. Their output and ideas were then translated into the final sculptural installation you see and hear today in ‘The Old Smiddy’ of Catstrand. The workshops have been held over the last 6 weeks over video conference and in person.

​

The first two curved sections of the installation show the results of digitising hand sculpted wax objects through the process of photogrammetry.  These objects are then paired with their 3D printed counterpart as an example of bringing the physical to the digital and then back again.

​

The third largest section explores projected interactive art and an audio response from the group talking about how important it is to them to have access to technology in their lives. This project utilises the groups ideas from drawn filters which are then digitised into a face tracking application which uses interactive hand gestures.  

​

The overall shape of the sculptural form was a direct response in how the platform of technology provides an active participation in its structure and form without prescribing an aesthetic. The young people’s work sits as the main focal point of the installation as they are the great next generation.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Click on the play button below to hear Rory Laycock welcome to the exhibition.

A group of young people across the Glenkens aged 11-18 worked on the elements of the installation focusing on the importance of their current generation, of ‘Gen Z’ and what has meaning and importance to them. It is a response to the young people's experiences and identities online, using digital modes of communication and creative practices.

Behind the scenes at the Smiddy in Balmaclellan

Click on the play button below to hear young people who participated discussing what technology means to them. 

Unrestricted - A Print Exhibition for Young People

An exhibition of work curated by our visual arts intern Josie (21). The art works are from local, national and international artists- both emerging and established in their practices across various modes of print making. The prints were displayed at The Smiddy alongside the join_link add. installation.

​

The prints are available to purchase by under 25s only. For reduced prices to allow young people to own original art work and to play with the concept of restricted spaces for young people.

 If you'd like to purchase one of the pieces please contact

Prices are listed under each piece that is still available.

​

To get involved with CatStrand Youth 

Visit

or email jamie@catstrand.com.

​

To find out more from Rory please get in touch at: 

@rorylaycock