on Bute is a collection of photographs by Mischa Haller showing this western Scottish island at the beginning of the twenty-first century.  The book will be launched at Mount Stuart on Bute on Saturday 23 April 2-4pm followed by an exhibition from 1 May to 24 June 2005.
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In 2003 Mount Stuart invited Mischa Haller to make new work on Bute. He made four visits over two years and in all four seasons, and created a unique documentary series of photographs. The project is a celebration of the island, showing the spirit of the place, people and their times. The images explore a dynamic society, at times in transition, detached from the mainland and often displaying a strong sense of humour. 

The exhibition and book continue Mischa Haller's development of portrait and reportage photography. Over the past half decade, he has spontaneously and responsively recorded individuals and groups of people in the process of everyday living. He uses a personal, documentary style of photography and frames momentary encounters using both classical and subject-based composition.  Haller says he is interested in ''Real people and real moments. Not just how things look but how it felt to be there". In this sense, many of the small details hint at a larger, existential truth.

Born in Switzerland in 1971, Haller trained in Paris for five years as an assistant to photographers including Peter Beard.  He has been based in London since 1998.  'Off Chance', his series of portraits and reportage was published in 2002.  In January 2004, he held his first solo exhibition at the Friedland + Rivault Gallery Paris of the portrait series 'In Between: Swimmers and Iceman'.  In July 2004, a selection of the series was exhibited at the Photographers Gallery London (Print Sales Gallery). Haller contributes to the Independent, the Telegraph, The Guardian, The Times, The Observer and Viewpoint Magazine.

The project opens the fifth year of the contemporary visual arts programme at Mount Stuart.  The programme aims to promote and facilitate interest in the contemporary visual arts and brings exhibitions of international standard to Bute and Argyll. To create potential for a wider audience and new perspectives, it utilizes the context of Mount Stuart and the island of Bute as an exciting opportunity for public artwork and provides inclusive educational opportunities

For further information please contact Mount Stuart, Rothesay, Bute PA20 9LR
T: 01700 50 3877 contactus@mountstuart.com  www.mountstuart.com, www.mischaphoto.com