Blind Alchemy

About

The Royal Standard is pleased to announce Blind Alchemy, the second in a series of collaborative projects between artists Rachel Adams and Ian Giles. One of the pursuits of the alchemist, turning lead into gold, lies in the no man's land between scientific procedure and magical reaction. Turning nothing into something is a key part of both artist's practices. This exhibition delights in the ‘home-made' nature of alchemy rather than its wide possibilities. Adams and Giles have been intrigued by the alchemy that colours the everyday with its magic: nettle wine brewed at the bottom of the garden, then gulped down in the haze of twilight — it may not be the elixir of life but as the mind swirls and the ground seems to lift away there is no doubt that chemistry has its uses. These artists started working together in the form of a blog called ‘This to Follow That', which became a image essay where each artist posted an image everyday, creating a visual dialogue. From this start point, the artists have researched the underlying themes and concepts within the blog to create a new series of sculpture and film works. Rachel Adams graduated from Edinburgh College of Art 2009. She has shown work at galleries including: A Foundation, London; Doma Baal, London and Catalyst Arts, Belfast. Solo exhibitions include the New Work Scotland Programme, Collective Gallery, Edinburgh. Ian Giles graduated from Chelsea College of Art 2008. He has shown work at galleries including: Barbican Art Gallery, London; Paradise Row, London and the Arnolfini, Bristol. Solo exhibitions include After Cravan at Oriel Davies Gallery, Wales. Blind Alchemy transfers to Studio Warehouse Glasgow 12 — 28 March