Katy Dove (1970-2015)

It is with much sadness that we mark the passing of the artist and musician Katy Dove.

Katy’s work, much like Katy herself, questioned what it might mean to be vibrant – what vibrancy might look, feel like, sound like, as well as how it might be composed. There was never any one answer, and her work was rarely about singularities. Rather, it was kaleidoscopic in focus – a lush synthesis of the many mediums in which she worked: collage, sound, printmaking, photography, animation and video.

Katy’s approach to abstraction in art was meditative, holistic and non-hierarchical. Drawing equal inspiration from the usually distinct modes of musical notation, visual composition and the syntax of language, her practice was attuned to how the vernacular interacts with sensory experience. She spoke specifically to the way in which ​“the mind makes contact with the world through the body” and is projected on the landscape.

Katy studied psychology before receiving a BA from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. Moving to Glasgow, she developed her art practice alongside a number of musical projects, including the collective Muscles of Joy and the collaboration Full Eye.

Katy passed away on 27 January, after receiving treatment for cancer. She will be greatly missed. LUX Scotland offers our heartfelt condolences to Katy’s friends and family.