City Art Gallery
The all new Society for Art and Architectural Scholarship at York launched themselves this week, with a drinks reception at the City Art Gallery.
The night went off with a bang with the who’s who of the History of Art department out in force for the occasion and snap happy Society member, Jure Kirbiš, there to capture the spirit of the evening. Both drinks and conversation were flowing in the main portrait gallery, with speeches from SAASY spokesperson Sophie Littlewood and York Fellow Sarah Turner, outlining the society’s manifesto, followed by an informal but interesting lecture from featured Artist Simon Periton. The party also served as the launch for Anonymous Rose, a large wall mounted installation piece, Periton was commissioned to create for the gallery in the spring of this year. Inspired by and referencing a culmination of different things including stained glass windows, Yorkshire craftsman Peckitt and 17th century portraiture of lace clad women.
Periton, who is represented by prominent arts dealer Sadie Cole, built the piece, funded by the Arts Council, in 18 framed parts, installing it in August. Despite being over two metres wide, the piece fits snugly but comfortably into the space, situated at the bottom of the Gallery Stairwell.
SAASY, who are affiliated with the friends of the York Art Gallery, hope to bridge the gap between campus and the wider local community as well as the generations with an exciting programme of events including lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, excursions and lunchtime talks at the art gallery, open to all members. Extending the opportunity to learn more about art and art history to the general public. Promoting art and architectural scholarship as something for everyone is a main priority. SAASY is much more than your average student society; with the odd meeting at the nearest college bar, it is a network of art based contacts and enthusiasts from around the city working together to make art and knowledge more accessible.
“We hope to encourage people of all ages from all backgrounds to come and be a part of our society”, says SAASY member Uthra Rajgopal. The excellent turn out and launch’s success certainly indicates a bright and busy future for the society and for art and architectural scholarship in York.
Watch out for a full follow- up interview with Simon Periton for Nouse Arts online.
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