Scottish Artist Helen Acklam Unveils ‘Mootie’s Hoos’ Exhibition

A new exhibition by Scottish artist Helen Acklam opens this weekend at the Shetland Museum and Archives. Titled Mootie’s Hoos, the exhibition highlights the interplay between landscape, memory, and history through mixed media, featuring sculpture, box works, and creative writing.

Acklam, who resides in south-west Scotland, draws inspiration from the architecture and landscapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. This immersive exhibition focuses specifically on the stories of Shetland’s women and the crofting communities they sustained over generations. Central to the exhibition are the conversations Acklam had with an elderly woman regarding her life on her croft in North Roe. This narrative captures the essence of women who managed crofts while the men were away fishing.

The artist employs a diverse range of materials, including sand collected from local beaches and vintage wallpaper sourced from abandoned cottages. This approach revitalizes the remnants of structures that once served as the backbone of Shetland’s rural communities. Acklam explained, “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.”

Exploring Heritage Through Art

According to Shetland Amenity Trust’s exhibitions officer Karen Clubb, this exhibition will resonate with both locals and visitors. The iconic crofthouse imagery evokes deep emotional connections and reflects a lifestyle integral to Shetland’s heritage. Clubb noted, “The unique use of found and recycled materials, such as wallpaper from derelict cottages, plaster, and textiles, connects deeply to our past. There’s a real beauty in the fragments of what was once thrown away or forgotten.”

The Mootie’s Hoos exhibition opens in Da Gadderie on October 8, 2023, and will run until October 12, 2023. All works are available for purchase through the Own Art Scheme, allowing buyers to spread payments over ten interest-free monthly instalments. Additionally, a selection of stationery related to the exhibition will be available at the museum’s heritage shop and online.

On August 30, 2023, Acklam will also conduct a gallery talk, providing further insights into her creative process and the thematic elements of the exhibition. As the opening weekend approaches, anticipation grows for an experience that promises to merge artistry with the rich cultural tapestry of Shetland.