Fifers are being given a rare opportunity to witness a world-renowned artist at work this week before the completion of a large scale sculpture at the Carnegie Gallery in Dunfermline.
Busy constructing his latest work, Odyssey, created using over six tonnes of Sunday Post newspapers and two shipping containers, the public have been given unique access to watch Royal Academician David Mack, as part of a live sculpture installation.
The project is a return to a form of sculpture that had featured extensively in Mach’s career over the last 35 years, from Barcelona to Cincinnati, and follows a similar event in Galway in 2018 that proved hugely popular for the artist.
The Methil-born artist admits he still draws much of his inspiration from the sights, sounds and coastline of his native Fife despite demands from around the world for his art.
“I don’t stray too far from home, I love the colour of Fife, the ruggedness of its coastline, it’s always been there within my work.
“Most gallery space is very respectable, the way it has been built the way it conforms, that makes me want to bombard rather than exhibit.
“I’m anything but minimalist, I hate that. I call myself a baroque fascist, I want to fill the space with all sorts of stuff.”
The public is being given access to view Mach’s creativity as the installation takes shape over the course of the week.
“I want to create something violent and what better than using everyday items such as newspapers and shipping containers.
“It’s material every one of us can relate to, we know it so it helps the public to make that connection.”
David said that once in the gallery space, rather than have a set agenda, the sculpture develops organically from there.
“It takes on a life of it’s own, being in there working you see the possibles, hopefully that will turn into something dynamic, something that will move those coming to view it.”
Lesley Botten, interpretation team leader with ONFife Cultural Trust, said: “Staging “Odyssey” has been a logistical challenge and taken months of planning but we’ve really enjoyed working on this ambitious installation.
“We are now very excited to see it come together and I’m looking forward to seeing how our visitors’ respond.”
The public can view the live instillation daily at Carnegie Galleries, Abbott Street, Dunfermline until Friday. The finished sculpture will be on show until February 2.
