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New architecture-inspired art exhibition coming to the HAC

Posted on 16 Jan 2024


The Harbour Arts Centre is inviting visitors along to its brand-new exhibition, inspired by one of Irvine’s most recognised locations… the Mall. 

Showcasing the latest works from Glasgow-based artist Ally Wallace, the new exhibition, entitled 'Flow', opens on Thursday, 18 January, and incorporates unique works across a range of disciplines, including drawing, sculpture and film, to make artworks that reflect the artist’s interest in Modernist architecture.

Ally said: “My exhibition at Harbour Arts Centre features work inspired by trips to Irvine to sketch and film the exterior of the town's indoor shopping centre, Rivergate, which opened in 1975 as part of the construction of Irvine New Town.

“Originally named the Irvine Centre but always known locally as the Mall, the shopping centre retains much of its original Brutalist exterior and I am particularly interested in the way that the concrete structure forms a bridge over the River Irvine, creating a cavernous, riverine space below. “

Ally's exhibition features drawings made in situ, mainly in the space underneath Rivergate, where it crosses the river.  He hopes that locals and visitors alike will find the exhibition interesting as well as a place to reflect upon past memories of Irvine and look towards the future with optimism.

Ally would like to thank the HAC and North Ayrshire’s Arts and Culture team for hosting his exhibition. He looks forward to meeting with visitors later this week to hear their thoughts and understand their point of view when it comes to historical versus modern architecture too.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, is also encouraging visitors to visit the exhibition. He said: “This is the first exhibition of 2024, and I would recommend that if you are looking for something a little different to experience this weekend and over the coming weeks, why not drop in to see the exhibition for yourself. You most definitely won’t be disappointed.”

The exhibition will be open during the HAC’s standard opening times as follows:

Wednesday – 9:30am to 4:30pm
Thursday – 9:30am to 4:30pm
Friday – 9:30am to 5pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 4:30pm

Video preview: As part of the exhibition, Ally will also have a video pop-up in the Rivergate Shopping Centre on the main concourse. He will be there throughout to talk about the project to anyone that’s interested, and it is also an opportunity for the public to see the building that inspired the project. The video will be broadcast 9am until 12.30pm on 18, 19 and 20 January 2024. 

Find out more about what is happening at the HAC online at:

Website: https://thehac.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarbourArtsCentre
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HACIrvine