Toby Paterson: Poised Array, 2007
We have chosen 'Poised Array' as an excellent example of recent public commissioning. Although it has been only a few years since its completion the resulting artwork has already become a distinct landmark, just like the building it adjoins. Paterson's interest in architecture and his rigorous practice is evident in the supporting sketches, plans and design model, making the resulting artwork a clear product of a well conceived project plan by the artist.
Toby Paterson
Toby Paterson was born in Glasgow in 1974 and continues to live and work in Scotland. He studied at Glasgow School of Art and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1991-5). His wall paintings and sculptures are informed by Modernist architecture and British Constructivism and investigate the navigation of architectural spaces. In 2005 Paterson completed a permanent commission for the new Marsham Street building of the Home Office, London. His many public commissions include works for the Fraser Noble Building, Aberdeen University (2003) and 'Powder Blue Orthogonal Pavilion', Potters Fields Park, Southwark, London (as part of the Portavilion public project) in 2008. His first solo exhibition was 'Halcyon Approach' at The Modern Institute, Glasgow in 1999. He has since exhibited widely, and a major mid-career retrospective of his work was held at the Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh in 2010. Currently, Paterson is working on a project for the Docklands Light Railway, Stratford International Extension, London (2010) as lead artist. He was the winner of the Beck's Futures prize in 2002 and in 2006 he received a Scottish Arts Council Creative Scotland Award.