Love this diminutive and exquisitely detailed caravan made from plastic biro-barrels by Dunfermline-based artist Gemma Coyle. The caravan and the horse-drawn Chrysler Building are part of the ‘FLEE with finesse’ exhibition at Dunfermline’s Fire Station Creative Gallery and Cafe. Her work discusses the gravity of climate change through a humorous perspective. Specifically focusing on the predicted flood crises, Gemma provides alternative and comical solutions, made from recycled plastic, in which to prepare for such event. Gemma, who recently moved back to her home town of Dunfermline, is also leading one of the art events during Outwith Festival – Big Heids is on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September.
“I am constantly commenting and trying to solve relevant issues within my works, either in day to day life or more serious global problems. I believe that humour is one human reaction that is capable of connecting everyone, it echoes a natural human response to issues of difficulty…” she said.
Awards include representing the UK in the Mediterranean Biennale of Young Artists in Greece.
Thanks to James Daw for writing this review for Avocado Sweet.
James is leading the campaign to engage with the people of Dunfermline to reduce their single use plastic and help Dunfermline to become one of the first ‘plastic-free towns’ in Scotland.
Let’s be clear – I like art, but I’m definitely no expert. I just know what I like. When I was invited to an art exhibition about the environment, a subject close to my heart, I was excited. And with this anticipation I visited the Fire Station Creative in Dunfermline to see Gemma Coyle’s exhibition ‘Flee with Finesse’. This exhibition poses an interesting question; what would happen if climate change caused sea levels to rise and we had to flee the ensuing floods? It also offers a clever solution: the mobile home. Gemma has created beautiful, well-crafted models of caravans made from plastic biro-barrels that suggest a world where everything must be reused because the planet has been stripped of resources, and that nothing will be permanent because of changing water levels. Graphite and digital drawings, and photographs are used to portray different ways in which the caravans flee, some harnessing the help of the animal world to mobilise them, some not making it AT all. It isn’t just about human survival either. Gemma has given consideration to some of the architectural icons of the modern world, by demonstrating how the Chrysler Building could be transported to dry ground away from the impending flood water. This piece has won several awards and is worth a trip to the exhibition in itself. It is beautifully made from plastic biro barrels, and is captivating. I like ‘Flee with Finesse’, and everything it represents. Well worth a visit. James Daw Plastic-Free Dunfermline
The exhibition is on 10 August – 2 of September. Entry is free. The gallery is closed on Mondays
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