Art and sensory experiences often intersect in unique and memorable ways. This September, renowned artist Anya Gallaccio will unveil a new installation that promises to be a feast for the senses. Set to take place in an empty shop at 18 High Street in Paisley, Renfrewshire, the work will involve covering the walls in beautifully scented chocolate. This immersive experience marks Gallaccio’s return to her birthplace and highlights her ongoing exploration of ephemeral art.
A Journey Through Time and Art
Anya Gallaccio, an acclaimed artist nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2003, has a rich history in creating thought-provoking works. Born in Paisley but raised in London, Gallaccio studied at Goldsmiths’ College, where she began her journey into the art world. Known for her innovative use of organic materials like flowers, fruit, and grass, Gallaccio’s pieces often explore themes of decay and transience. One of her notable works, “Intensities and Surfaces” (1996), featured a 34-tonne ice cube with a salt core that slowly melted, symbolizing the impermanence of material things.
The Chocolate Shop Installation
Gallaccio’s upcoming installation in Paisley is part of Jupiter+, Jupiter Artland’s nationwide art and learning program. From September 7 to December 31, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the unique artwork that will cover the walls of the unoccupied shop with chocolate. This installation will engage multiple senses, primarily through the aromatic allure of chocolate, creating a multi-sensory environment that will ignite imagination and thought.
A Celebration of Creativity and Community
The installation is more than just an art piece; it is a community event. Young people from every school and college in the council area will be invited to visit the installation. This engagement aims to inspire and encourage creative thinking among the youth, providing them with a rare opportunity to experience art in an unconventional setting.
A spokesperson for Jupiter Artland emphasized the significance of Gallaccio’s work, stating, “Over the years of working with Anya my respect for her work has deepened. She always thinks about material in a magical alchemical manner… creating extraordinary moments where one matter becomes another. This is the stuff that ignites imagination and allows for freedom of thought so valuable for a young person and yet so rarely created. We are looking forward to harnessing this power for the young people of Paisley.”
An Invitation to Explore
Gallaccio’s installation coincides with a major retrospective at Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent, highlighting her significant contributions to contemporary art. For those in and around Paisley, the chocolate-covered shop offers a unique opportunity to explore art through a sensory lens, blending the visual and olfactory in a harmonious symphony.
As September approaches, anticipation builds for this extraordinary installation. Anya Gallaccio’s return to Paisley is not just a homecoming but a celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of art.
Mark your calendars and prepare to engage your senses this fall at 18 High Street, Paisley, from September 7 to December 31.
Paisley Photographs 