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Katie Paterson - Afterlife

Collective, Edinburgh

4 Stars

The 197 reconstructed ancient amulets that make up Katie Paterson’s latest artistic and environmental excavation are laid out on a bespoke round table designed by international architects Zeller & Moye, and made out of sycamore by East Lothian based Silvan Studio. The display may bring to mind the sort of hipster emporium where magic happens after dark as demons are invoked, but each intricately constructed piece that makes up Paterson’s sculptural installation has a story of its own.

 

Made from materials drawn from landscapes and environments under threat, the five sections - Biosphere; Hydrosphere; Cryosphere; Place & Climate; and Wildfire - cast Paterson as a Scheherazade like figure. As she breathes new life into old forms, it is a reminder of their strength gathered across centuries. 

 

Gathered together as both memorial and homage, as Paterson’s labours bring home the fragile eco system each piece sprung from, as a brand new set of myths is conjured into view. (Neil Cooper)

 

Collective until 6 September 


The List, August 2026

 

ends

 

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