“Digital Perceptions”, an exhibition focusing on the use of new technology and digital imaging in the creation of contemporary textile art, opens this week in the Collins Gallery in Glasgow

The exhibition shows work by seven leading exponents from the UK and USA – Alison F Bell, J R Campbell, Carol LeBaron, Philip O’Reilly, Kathy Schicker, Cathy Treadaway and Joan Truckenbrod.

Their applications are both innovative and inspiring, encompassing printed and manipulated felt, jacquard weaves, apparel, appliquéd, printed silks, sculptural forms and installations enhanced by projected film and sound.

The aim of the exhibition is to provide a stimulating introduction to the potential of a new language of visual expression, for artists, craftspeople and indeed, anyone with a home pc and printer.

One of the key advantages of working digitally is the ease with which artists can work collaboratively, regardless of geographical location, and the gallery hopes that the exhibition will encourage a series of new dialogues and joint ventures.

The exhibition is supported by a DVD documentary costing £10 in which each artist describes their work prior to working with new technology, its integration into their working practice, access to equipment and guidance, how it has enhanced their work and how its presence has affected the perceived value of their work, with reference to costing as well as “originality”.

There is also an illustrated publication costing £14.95 (or £20 with DVD) with essays by Sarah E Braddock Clarke (co-author of Techno Textiles 2), Lindsay Taylor (former Director of the Centre for Advanced Technology, Glasgow School of Art), J R Campbell (Director of Research, CAT, Glasgow School of Art) and Cathy Treadaway (Research Assistant, UWIC and Visiting Research Fellow, Computer Science, Bath University). 

All of the exhibiting artists will present papers at a two-day conference taking place on 10 and 11 February, when they will be joined by Sarah E Braddock Clarke, Helena Britt (CAT, Glasgow School of Art), Lisa Vinebaum and Kelly Thompson (Goldsmiths).  The event is suitable for artists and makers, with or without previous experience, plus anyone wishing to explore further the potential of their home pc. Places cost £80 to £150 (£60 to £110 concession) including lunch and must be booked in advance by contacting the gallery.

The exhibition “Digital Perceptions” is on from 14 January until 18 February 2006 at the Collins Gallery, 22 Richmond Street, Glasgow G1 1XQ tel 0141 548 4145 email collinsgallery@strath.ac.uk