AN ONGOING art project is set to exhibit at the Scottish Parliament this week, as part of its 10-year tour around the UK.
SPOTtimespotTIME, which was first created in 2015 by Bristol-based artist Elaine Robinson, gathers fingerprints from all areas and sections of society.
Elaine started walking the streets of UK cities nearly a decade ago, inviting everyone to take part in the inclusive project.
Having visited other UK and European parliaments and assemblies, this is her final residency before getting more fingerprints from Edinburgh and Glasgow locals.
The artwork is being created by gathering fingerprints to represent our relationship to each other and all life on Earth.
It also records changes in acceptance that we all play a part in conservation and biodiversity.
The finished installation will go on display and will feature panels of hundreds of fingerprints held in clear resin, from different cities and events to represent a “relevant social document”.
Elaine believes that, despite our differences, fingerprints unite us when it matters.
The panel created from her visit to Parliament will feature fingerprints of MSPs, including First Minister John Swinney.
Her visits to other political bases have reflected a changing political arena across the 10-year period.
Well-known faces including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, actor Rupert Everett and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, have contributed to the artwork so far.
Many diverse groups have also participated, including the NHS, the Edinburgh Fringe, Windrush and opponents of HS2.
The artwork will take its last physical fingerprint in March 2025 following Elaine’s walkabouts in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Elaine Robinson has been contacted for comment.
