claire harkess | into the wild
Claire Harkess was born in Ayr, Scotland, graduating from Glasgow School of Art in the early 1990s. In recent years her painting has taken her to fragile lands to study and interpret life on the edge. Antarctica, Outback Australia and St Kilda are all places where, in such extreme environments, survival is difficult and the balance of life is delicate. Painting in watercolour offers a unique directness; the essential qualities of light and energy present in the natural world are the very essence of the medium itself. The delicacy of her palette and oriental economy of her mark-making creates a subtle tension representing a world that is ‘holding still’, giving a sense of freedom, spirit, time and place.
The Edinburgh School
The Edinburgh School refers to a group of artists associated with Edinburgh College of Art after the First World War. The same group was all represented, at various stages, by The Scottish Gallery. Major figures of the school regularly held shows with us, both those of the older generation and from the later 1950’s those younger artists who they had helped to inspire. We are delighted to present this showcase exhibition featuring artists Gordon Bryce, Sir William Gillies, John Houston, David McClure, David Michie, Denis Peploe, Adam Bruce Thomson and William Wilson.
Past & present Print Masters
For our summer exhibition programme, we present a variety of 20th century and contemporary Scottish printmaking, including examples by: William Armour, Robert Colquhoun, Ian Fleming, Peter & Linda Green, Calum McClure, Robert MacBryde, Alison McGill, William Scott and William Wilson.
In the short film below the artist Calum McClure (son of Robin McClure and grandson of David McClure) discusses his interest in printmaking and how the discipline informs his artistic practice.
Artist Davy Brown discusses two particular works in Past & Present Print Masters. Davy Brown, who also exhibited with The Gallery in July, is the recognised expert on the works of Robert Colquhoun and Macbryde.
davy brown at 70
The Scottish Gallery is delighted to host Davy Brown’s 70th birthday exhibition with The Gallery. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, Davy specialises in still life and landscape painting. He is also a specialist in post-war British art.
‘It is fifty years since my first exhibition in the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow. I was 70 at the end of March, by which time I had been in self-imposed lockdown for two weeks, and so this exhibition is the first meaningful way in which I have been able to celebrate my birthday. I am deeply grateful to The Scottish Gallery for hosting this exhibition in this form, and for showing my work for the first time. I hope the beauty of my surroundings has been captured through my work and will prove to be uplifting to those who view it in these difficult times.’ Davy Brown, 2020
richard goldsworthy | Wood, Metal & Fire
Richard Goldsworthy presents a new series of sculptural pieces in wood and metal that have been charred, bleached and carved by hand. Richard graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA (Hons) in Sculpture in 2019.
‘The exploration and transformation of material has always been a crucial part of my practice. Growing up in the British countryside, I have always been drawn to nature to source the materials I work with. From this ongoing relationship I have developed my study of wood and its intrinsic qualities, as well as its behaviour when acted upon through man-made materials and tools. This juxtaposition, both enhances and transforms the natural beauty of the materials I work with.’ Richard Goldsworthy, 2020
joanne thompson | 25
Joanne Thompson presents a new collection celebrating 25 years as a practising jeweller. This exhibition focuses on her iconic chain mail technique. Joanne studied Jewellery & Silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 1993, before completing an MA in Jewellery at the Royal College of Art in London in 1995. Her distinctive silver and soft black palette is playful and sensual; elegant movement is integral to her jewellery – beautifully made, beautiful on and loved by women. Ancient chain mail patterns are a constant inspiration. We have created a series of films and blogs to accompany the exhibition.
