Internationally-renowned University of Dundee-based artists Dalziel + Scullion have won the prestigious RIAS Colour Coated Creativity Awards for their two steel silver birches now installed at the new Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital.
The winner of the £3000 award was announced today at a ceremony at the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland HQ, Edinburgh.
Dalziel + Scullion's trees have been permanently installed in an enclosed courtyard of the new Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital as part of a coordinated arts project involving integrated artworks by 10 artists.
Multi-award winning Dalziel + Scullion are based in the University of Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. Previous high-profile successes include a series of photographs called Raptor used on the cover of the latest Beautiful South album, The Horn on the M8 and two separate commissions for Heathrow Airport.
Matthew Dalziel said, "We are delighted to have received this award, and would like to thank the RIAS and Highland Colour Coaters.
This work comprises four stylised versions of common Scottish trees: a Scots Pine, a Rowan and two Silver Birches. Each bears the distinctive characteristics of its species whilst exaggerating other aspects of the tree. The design for these trees, which together make up the hospital's Ontological Garden, was inspired by children's animations and Japanese Zen gardens."
The Colour Coated Creativity Award, sponsored by Highland Colour Coaters, was established last year to find the best use of powder coating on galvanized steel in Scotland. Three category awards (decorative, secure, environmental) have already been made.
Geoff Crowley, Managing Director, Highland Colour Coaters Ltd said, "Highland Colour Coaters established this award to promote creative use of this coating system. While corrosion protection is essential, there's no reason why aesthetics need be ignored. Powder coated galvanized steel can be a tool to achieve both protection and beauty, but creatively as these winners have demonstrated."
Sebastian Tombs, RIAS Chief Executive said, "The judging panel enjoyed the ways entrants had explored the use of colour - a factor too often ignored in Scotland’s built environment. The panel hopes this prestigious award will stimulate more use of colour."
Editors' notes
Matthew Dalziel (graduate of DJCAD), and Louise Scullion (graduate of Glasgow School of Art) have worked together since 1993, and are highly-acclaimed for their distinctive vision exploring the relationship between man and natural environment.
They have exhibited nationally and internationally including a 1997 commission The Horn on the M8 motorway between Glasgow and Edinburgh and last year’s Storm exhibition at Glasgow's GOMA featuring powerful images of the natural world projected onto screen between Corinthian-style columns.
Category Award winners
Decorative - Dalziel + Scullion for Silver Birch Trees, Aberdeen
Prize £500
Secure - Parkhead Welding Company for Gate, Pollockshields, Glasgow
Prize £500
Environmental - Russell Leisure Ltd for Invergordon Multicourt
Prize £500
The judging panel consisted of Sebastian Tombs, Chief Executive, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland; Geoff Crowley, Managing Director, Highland Colour Coaters Ltd; Juliet Dean, Director, PACE (Public Art Commissions and Exhibitions).
Powder coating is a solvent-free finishing process used on a wide range of materials and products. It is environmentally friendly and virtually pollution-free. Above all, it gives added protection against the elements - vital in the Scottish climate.
The Colour Coated Creativity Awards are sponsored by Highland Colour Coaters Ltd and organised by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk