How is Switzerland perceived, and what do visitors take away? This is the question my installation for the Scottish Show Switzerland poses.

We are more sophisticated designers, consumers and travellers than ever before but have Swiss souvenirs developed to the same degree - or are they still firmly based on an outmoded or traditional aesthetic? If chocolate Matterhorns and cow bells do not truly represent modern Switzerland, any more than Tartan and Shortbread represent Scotland, what should a contemporary Swiss souvenir be?

A souvenir is manufactured as a reminder (souvenir meaning 'to remember' in French) of experience, location and culture. Why should this complex memory be represented as an unashamedly commercial cliché or self-consciously kitsch icon?

The Scottish Show Switzerland is an exhibition of 15 of Scotland’s most exciting designers at MUDAC, the Musée de design at d'arts appliqués contemporains. Working across a variety of disciplines and with varying levels of experience they have been selected because their work is refreshing and spirited, connected not only by geography but also by an ability to diversify in their approach.

The Scottish Show Switzerland allows different design disciplines to exhibit their ideas and products collectively with a strong aesthetic language. The Lighthouse asked the participating designers to create a series of installations that challenge conventional systems of display and encourage them to think of new ways to promote themselves and their work. The result is a sequence of encounters for the visitor where the context of the object or idea is vital and the show is experienced rather than observed.

The exhibition inhabits the first floor, circulations spaces and WC’s of MUDAC, with a mix of work already in existence and newly commissioned pieces that can be used and enjoyed. Exhibits are installed so as to relate to the architecture of the building whilst still communicating their function.

For further information visit: www.thescottishshow.com