Legend
Summary
Legend was a temporary public art work by Diane Maclean commissioned by Independent Public Arts as part of a programme of artist-led commissions. Artists were invited to propose challenging works to be produced in collaboration with other artists or using a new technique. Diane’s proposal was based on a poem, Mor and the Fairy Lover, from a 19th century collection of Gaelic verse. She worked with a blacksmith, composer, piper, professional reader and sound engineers, and used sound technology to realise the piece.
The work was installed at four locations across the Highlands throughout 1998. It took the form of a shining line of stainless steel which followed the contours of its hillside location, accompanied by a sensor-activated recording of a pipe lament and the poem. An effective marketing campaign including informative leaflets supported the showings, and an education programme took place at Gairloch High School. The artist’s experience of the project was overwhelmingly positive with some practical and financial problems. A CD rom documenting the installation and education project was produced.
