Some opportunities arise that would only appeal to a minute few. I for one am a member of the “few”. Therefore when I heard rumours of an abandoned ghost village on the west coast of Scotland I was quick to make a few calls for confirmation. Not only were the rumours true, if we acted quickly we would be on the heels of none other than the Agents of Change. Not unknown to Breaksof10 the Agents of Change consist of six creative identities who bring together otherwise separate styles and methods to create truly stunning results. So needless to say I required a photographer and luckily Richard Kenworthy from Cameras and Cranksets (link) shared in my enthusiasm for the project. The scene was set for a truly unique adventure and for the first visitors to the Pollphaill Gallery – “Free Admission” for all, simply read on.
Three hundred miles and a ferry crossing later we arrived by night at Kames, Tighnabruaich, Argyll, Scotland. The Kames hotel was situated only a few miles from “ghost town” and we were quick to do a little research by asking the proprietors and locals. Accepted as fact by the many is that the “village” was built to house and entertain oil rig workers. However with the development of new drilling techniques the site became obsolete before completion. Nobody ever moved in, not one person unpacked a suitcase, no brown boxes, and no moving day takeaways. There were also the opinions of the few, the theories that revolve around conspiracy, a secret military base, and or research centre. One thing is certain; Richard and I were highly anticipating day break and our first day on location.
7am and the first signs of day light. We headed along the country roads using the directions given with a thousand preconceptions flying through our minds.
On approach the village came into view and as did some truly mind blowing pieces scaling thirty foot buildings.
The village was what can only be described as the aftermath of a nuclear fall out. More like a movie set than that of real life with the day light only creating additional shadows and atmosphere.
Overwhelmed by curiosity we entered the derelict buildings and were met by more work from the Agents of Change. An array of cutting lines, bright colours, realistic murals, and lovable characters shrouded in sorrow. We shot pictures throughout the day and were amazed by the state of the place. It didn’t take much to imagine what life would have been like. There were beds, sinks, cupboards, wardrobes, showers, and desks. The Kitchen area with commercial cooking equipment had been left to rot and decay. Ovens, fryers, fridges and steel work had all become subject to rust and destruction.
It was the little touches that made the trip worth while. The art pieces that were hard to find. Pieces that involved fighting overgrown trees down abandoned roads, negotiating rotten stairways, and entailed climbing through a second storey window onto the roof below.
My favourite piece, one that summed up the Ghost Village in one snap shot depicted an old man, hunched carrying the weight of time upon his shoulders, and in one hand a piece of string that travelled down the wall and round a corner. On the end of the string was a balloon with one word upon it; “Oil” – perhaps holding onto a dream that is getting further and further away from him. It’s impossible not to share in his sadness.
Special acclaim is to be had for the backdrop of this Eastern Block esq failed civilisation. It’s easy to forget your location when in the dark depths of crumbling buildings stepping over broken glass and nails. However, when passing a broken window, you would catch a glimpse of the picturesque mountain plane reflected in the crystal clear highland water.
Still not satisfied the Agents of Change found time to leave their mark on the Kames Hotel. I look forward to the full video and some special interviews with the guys. However, first, a brief introduction to the Agents of Change is definitely due. Stormie hails from Perth, Australia and is quite possibly one of the most collected artists of his genre in Australia. His characters are both melancholic and beautiful. Derm, from Edinburgh is considered Scottish graffiti royalty, one of the first people to paint in Scotland and still ahead of his time with his minimalist typographic constructions.
Timid, the master of gravity, known for his use of emulsion and latex, and creating dark and destructive paintings – loves drips. System, representing North Whales whilst residing in Brighton. Considered the first graffiti artist from Wales. He still pushes the boundaries with his techniques and style of painting. It’s like Caran d’Ache drawings but with spray paint. Juice 126, the godfather of contemporary graffiti! Birmingham born and bred, Juice has been painting abstract graffiti since the mid Eighties and he’s still as important now as he was then.
Finally, Remi/Rough. I have had the pleasure of knowing Remi for around eighteen months now. He claims “He would much rather stay in bed, but often gets asked to paint stuff”. Modest as ever Remi is guilty of sparking my street art obsession and I’m two weeks pocket money away from buying his new book; Lost Colours and Alibis,
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