The Harbour Arts Centre is inviting visitors along to its brand-new exhibition, inspired by one of Irvine’s most recognised locations...The Rivergate Mall.

Showcasing the latest works from Glasgow-based artist Ally Wallace, the new exhibition, entitled 'Flow', opens on Thursday,  January 18.

It incorporates unique works across a range of disciplines, including drawing, sculpture and film, to make artworks that reflect the artist’s interest in Modernist architecture.

It also included a pop up video exhibition in the mall itself.

Ally said: “My exhibition at Harbour Arts Centre features work inspired by trips to Irvine to sketch and film the exterior of the town's indoor shopping centre, Rivergate, which opened in 1975 as part of the construction of Irvine New Town.

“Originally named the Irvine Centre, but always known locally as the Mall, the shopping centre retains much of its original Brutalist exterior and I am particularly interested in the way that the concrete structure forms a bridge over the River Irvine, creating a cavernous, riverine space below.”

Ally's exhibition features drawings made in situ, mainly in the space underneath the Rivergate, where it crosses the river. He hopes that locals and visitors alike will find the exhibition interesting as well as a place to reflect upon past memories of Irvine and look towards the future with optimism.

Ally added: "I'd like to thank the HAC and North Ayrshire’s Arts and Culture team for hosting his exhibition. I look forward to meeting with visitors later this week to hear their thoughts and understand their point of view when it comes to historical versus modern architecture too."

Irvine Times: The exhibition poster

Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for communities and islands at North Ayrshire Council, is also encouraging visitors to visit the exhibition.

He said: “This is the first exhibition of 2024, and I would recommend that if you are looking for something a little different to experience this weekend and over the coming weeks, why not drop in to see the exhibition for yourself? You most definitely won’t be disappointed.”

As part of the exhibition, Ally will also have a video pop-up in the Rivergate Shopping Centre on the main concourse.

He will be there throughout to talk about the project to anyone that’s interested, and it is also an opportunity for the public to see the building that inspired the project.

The video will be broadcast between 9am until 12.30pm on January 18, 19 and 20.

The exhibition will be open during the HAC’s standard opening times as follows: Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm; Friday 9.30am to 5pm; and Saturday 9am to 4pm. it will run until March 2.

Find out more about what is happening at the HAC online at thehac.co.uk.