Launch of new edition by Ackroyd & Harvey

THE MULTIPLE STORE is pleased to announce the launch of a new signed, limited edition by artists Ackroyd & Harvey

Shoal, 2011

Sea bream skeleton, alum crystals, perspex case

325mm x 150mm x 65mm

Edition: 30

Price: please inquire

‘Shoal’ comprises 30 small fish skeletons, each one unique and individually encrusted with a growth of alum crystals.

The fish skeletons are stripped, prepared and de-greased, forming crystals around the fish bones after placement in a hot chemical solution. As it cools down, alum crystals start to form and attach themselves to the bones, effectively embalming them.

‘Much of our work concentrates on organic processes of germination and growth. When asked to produce an exhibition in Western Australia in 1994, thoughts of evaporation and crystalline deposits came to mind and it was here we did our first experiments with simple salt crystals. The exquisite formation and yet mathematical simplicity of crystal structure then started to influence our working practice and has featured in a series of sculptural works.’

‘Shoal’ is also a reflection on the changing chemical balance of the oceans as the upper level of seawater absorbs increasing levels of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere.

In 2011 Ackroyd & Harvey (Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey) were chosen by the Olympic Delivery Authority to produce one of the largest public art commissions in the Olympic Park for 2012 (expected to be announced in October 2011).

Often working outside the gallery space and in diverse contexts, Ackroyd & Harvey are acclaimed for large-scale architectural interventions where they grow landmark buildings with seedling grass. In 2007 they realised their largest temporary living public artwork ‘FlyTower’ on the exterior of London’s  National Theatre.

They are also acknowledged for their pioneering work utilising the light-sensitivity of the pigment chlorophyll in making complex living photographs in seedling grass, receiving the  NESTA Pioneer award, the Wellcome ‘Sci-Art’ award and the l’Oreal Grand Prize for this work.

Since 2003, they have made a series of expeditions to the High Arctic with Cape Farewell, studying effects of climate change on the ecosystem and have shown the resulting work ‘Stranded’, a skeleton of a Minke Whale encrusted with crystals at London’s Natural History Museum, the Liverpool Biennial, and in Spain and Japan.

In May 2011 the artists were awarded special mention in the ‘Prix COAL Art & Environnement’ for their ongoing project ‘Beuys’ Acorns.’