Biomimetic Spectra @ Atticsalt

Showing at Atticsalt in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town is Biomimetic Spectra, an exhibition of the work of Mairi Gillies. This gem of a show contrasts the urban setting of the gallery with art which embraces nature, utilising flowers and feathers. There is much more to this show than pretty flowers however. Throughout we see the skill of the artist in her ability to take organic materials complementing and contrasting them with the synthetic and the industrial. Gillies uses regulated designs of circles and spirals, designs with a beauty and simplicity which seem to perfectly bridge the gap between the natural and the man-made. Gillies seems to be looking at biomimetics in reverse - biomimetics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems as models for the design and engineering of materials and machines - taking regimented design and using it as the basis for her floral sculptures. The colours of the natural materials are emphasised by Gillies with her use of vials of coloured ink showing the whole spectrum of colour. The lighting of the exhibition lends another element to the works, throwing beautiful lattice works of shadow across the walls. This is a wonderful exhibition that makes excellent use of the internal gallery space and causes the visitor to engage more fully with the environment outside. Highly recommended. [Michael Kynaston]