Cat Auburn is an artist from Aotearoa New Zealand based in Argyll. Her art practice (sculpture, textile, film, event, and writing) focuses on how cultural heritage is constructed, reinforced, and strategically employed. Artistic ‘making’ is how she explores complex interrelational dynamics between ‘self’ and ‘culture’, local and global, policymaking and those subject to policy. The artist’s projects are developed in co-production with various collaborators, including: rural and equestrian communities; textile practitioners; heritage industry workers. Cat enjoys developing and delivering ambitious artistic projects that support both collaborators and authenticating audiences to engage in active questioning through artistic materials and practices.

This four-week residency is offered through RSA Residencies for Scotland, an artist-led scheme which provides valuable research and residency opportunities for artists. It forges important networks with centres of artistic excellence across Scotland, ranging from traditional residency venues to specialised production facilities. Read more about this nationwide programme here.

Residencies for Scotland is administered and funded by the Royal Scottish Academy, with kind support from the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust and the W. Gordon Smith & Jay Gordonsmith Trust.

Image: Cat Auburn (2020-2024). ‘How to Make a Miniature of the Demolition of the Eighteen Arch Ashlar Bridge at Asluj. First World War, 1917’. Bronze, the artist’s hair. Size variable (photography, Keith Hunter).