Nicky Bird

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Beneath the Surface / Hidden Place (2007-2009)

A major Stills commission exploring the physical and emotional effects of economic change and regeneration in Scotland

The history under our feet to the time when our own may be under foot in future: this was the central theme of this project. It set out to see how photography and archaeology could be incorporated in both literal and metaphorical ways to speak of ‘history’ – particularly history that is within living memory connected to a changed, erased or hidden place. The project worked in six locations across Scotland, in close collaboration with a range of individuals. The family snap played a central part in the process - see examples below of photographs of places that have undergone major change and in which personal history has been ambiguously caught.

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Read more about project events, shows and other activities



Special thanks to my collaborators:

Alexander Brown (Craigmillar, Edinburgh)
Karen Hamilton, Martin Peter, Mark Scott and Lesley Weir (Ardler, Dundee)
Drew Johnstone & Mary Kennedy (Doon Valley, East Ayrshire)
Jan McTaggart & George McTaggart (Foxbar, Paisley)

Special thanks also to:

Alistair MacLeod & the Ardler Village Trust
Dr Mike Cressey & Dr Melanie Johnson of CFA Archaeology LTD
Mike Greenlaw, Craigmillar Arts Centre
Elaine Mackie, Doon Valley Museum East Ayrshire Council
Biddy Simpson & Kate Maynard, East Lothian Council
Mark Crossan, Producer, Radio Cafe, BBC Radio Scotland

Download a PDF for more about the project
Read 2008 Reviews The List 3-17 July 2008 and The Scotsman 30 May 2008

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