‘Homeland’, an exhibition by textile artist Karen Dalziel Clubb, has opened at the Bonhoga Gallery in Shetland.

This is her first solo exhibition and shows a combination of contemporary printed textiles, handmade surfaces and sculptural pieces inspired by particular aspects of Shetland’s culture.

The work was sparked by a visit to the family's old croft at Bouster, in the Herra, Yell which inspired Karen to develop a series of pieces based on the physical evidence of the life the croft once enjoyed.  This, coupled with a spiritual interest in both the land and the sea, led her to examine the relationship women in Shetland have had with both throughout the generations. 

Using historical photographs and textiles Karen has explored issues such as gender and identity, culture and tradition and mortality, to produce works with a haunting presence.

Karen graduated in contemporary textile design from UHI/Shetland College last year and is currently working on a textile piece for the interior of the new Shetland Museum. 

Visual arts co-ordinator for Shetland Arts Trust, Mary Smith, said “Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see that our history and culture can live once more in contemporary textiles.”

‘Homeland’ by Karen Dalziel Clubb is on from 29 October to 27 November 2005 at the Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale Mill, Shetland.  Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 am to 4.30pm and Sunday 12 noon to 4.30pm.