An exhibition of international contemporary lettering taking place at the Iona Gallery in Kingussie aims to stimulate and broaden the perceptions of visitors.

The exhibition, called ‘Presence and Absence’, focuses on the strands of transparency and opacity, contrasting artists using materials such as stone and metal with those who use glass and acrylic. It demonstrates the broad range of ideas being explored in the contemporary lettering field from working with more traditional materials to using new technology and digital processes.

Welsh based letterer, Valerie Coffin Price, who also curated the exhibition, uses projected light, text and images on suspended translucent materials to create a collage of light and shadow.

The pieces by London based Jini Rawlings use etched text on panels of glass and mirror influenced by words scratched on the windows at Croick church by people sheltering there during the Highland clearances.

Reiltin Murphy from Eire uses paper and watercolour paint with gold leaf and has created a series of five works ‘on the edge of memory’ exploring the exhibition theme including a memorial for those so long gone that all that remains is a trace of their DNA in our genes.

Scotland is represented by Louise Archbold, who uses pens, quills and brushes to explore texture, line and colour.

‘Presence and Absence’ is on from 3 to 31 July at the Iona Gallery, Duke Street, Kingussie. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am to 12. Admission is free.

The exhibition will move to The Hub, Navigation Wharf, Carre Street, Seaford, Lincolnshire (tel: 01529 308710) from 2 October to 25 November 2004.  Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.  More information on The Hub at www.thehubcentre.org