Radiolaria I, 2023 by Cathrine Holtet © the artist
Every year we breathe new life and meaning into Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums’ collections through a combination of gifts, bequests, donations and purchases of artworks and objects. I have curated a new spotlight display of items which have recently come into the collection, all with a maritime theme to celebrate the Tall Ships Races weighing anchor in Aberdeen from 19 to 22 July.
We were pleased to purchase Cathrine Holtet’s Radiolaria I, 2023 with assistance from the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums. Holtet grew up in Norway and moved to Scotland to study ceramics. Her work is inspired by the natural world.
The intricate design of this sculpture is based on the spiny skeletons of tiny sea creatures called radiolaria. There are around 900 species of radiolaria in our oceans. Their elaborate skeletons are usually made of silica. Fossilised remains can be found in naturally-formed clay and sand, making it quite likely that Holtet’s vase even contains radiolaria. A chemical reaction in the kiln created the crusty, bubbly ‘crater’ effect of the white lava glaze.
Winds of Change, 2024 by Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer © the artists
Winds of Change, a film by Anna Heinrich and Leon Palmer, explores aspects of Aberdeen’s unique maritime and industrial story, from tall ships and granite, to oil and the transition towards renewable energy and wind power. This work was commissioned by Aberdeen City Council with a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It was shown during Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light in 2024 and 2025.
The film blends video footage of the local area and wider north-east, from Balmedie Beach to Moy Wind Farm in Inverness. The artists provide new perspective through their manipulation of digital images of artefacts form the collection, including the model of the Grampian Corsair, a standby rescue vessel operating in the North Sea. The model was presented to the collection by North Star Shipping in 2009.
As much as we may like to, we can’t collect everything! Potential acquisitions are assessed against our Collections Development Policy. All museums have these policies. They are extremely useful, helping to ensure objects find their way to the right home. You can find ours on our website at aagm.co.uk
See New Acquisitions on Level 2 at Aberdeen Art Gallery, 15 March-4 October. Open daily, admission free.
