Scottish Artist Unveils Immersive Exhibition Celebrating Shetland’s Heritage

A new exhibition by Scottish artist Helen Acklam will open at the Shetland Museum and Archives this weekend. Titled Mootie’s Hoos, the exhibition aims to immerse visitors in the rich stories and history of Shetland’s women and the crofting communities that have shaped the region. It will be on display from Sunday until October 12, 2023.

Acklam, who resides in south-west Scotland, draws her inspiration from the stunning landscapes and architecture of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Her work combines sculpture, box works, and creative writing, offering an engaging experience that connects landscape with memory and history.

Capturing the Spirit of Crofting

The exhibition is centered around personal conversations between Acklam and an elderly woman reflecting on life on her croft in North Roe. This dialogue encapsulates the resilience of a generation of women who maintained crofts while the men were away fishing.

Using a variety of materials, including sand collected from local beaches and vintage wallpaper sourced from abandoned cottages, Acklam creates pieces that revitalize the remnants of Shetland’s rural past. She explains, “Mootie’s Hoos is more than just an artistic collection; it is a tribute to the resilience, resourcefulness, and quiet strength of island life, past and present.”

Connecting to Community and Heritage

Karen Clubb, exhibitions officer at the Shetland Amenity Trust, expressed enthusiasm for the exhibition’s appeal to both residents and visitors. She highlighted the emotional resonance of the iconic crofthouse image, which reflects a lifestyle integral to Shetland’s heritage.

“The unique use of found and recycled materials, such as wallpaper from derelict cottages, plaster, and textiles, connects deeply to our past,” Clubb noted. “There’s a real beauty in the fragments of what was once thrown away or forgotten.”

In addition to the exhibition, various works will be available for purchase through the Own Art Scheme, allowing buyers to spread the cost over ten interest-free monthly installments. The museum’s heritage shop will also offer a selection of stationery inspired by the exhibition, available both in-store and online.

Acklam is scheduled to hold a gallery talk on Saturday, August 30, where she will discuss her creative process and the themes of the exhibition. As the opening day approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of Shetland’s cultural identity.