This summer the Royal Scottish Academy will present Frontiers, an exhibition considering the place of painting in contemporary Scottish art.
Co-curated by Robbie Bushe RSA and Flora La Thangue, Frontiers: Painting in Scotland Now will explore the ways in which artists are pushing the boundaries of the medium of painting and reveal it to be a vital connection between the traditions of the past and ambitions for the future of the visual arts in Scotland.
Exhibition co-curator, Robbie Bushe RSA says:
“Scotlands Cultural history is intertwined with painting, shaped by both inward and outward concerns. For over a century, the four historic Scottish art schools had distinctive and dedicated painting departments. The changing language of contemporary art made painting just one of a plethora of choices for art students to express ideas visually, breaking down departmental barriers. I certainly witnessed a period where teaching of painting was taken for granted and tired students were encouraged to explore the possibilities of emerging media and shifting paradigms – and quite right.
Despite this, the 1990’s and 2000’s saw underbought contemporary champions painting under the radar. Painting became a subversive underground activity; students and recent graduates had a sense of rebellion and intuitive imagination, unencumbered by its traditions or history, as if at a new frontier, actively embracing new and old media.
Through the 2010’s and 2020’s a new generation of Scottish painters emerged. Many are recent graduates who first showcased at RSA New Contemporaries, but some are reemerging and reinvigorated established artists and teachers. Frontiers will reveal their story.”
me, at Edinburgh College of Art (2002). The selfies of the time
My artwork is packed and on its travels to Edinburgh to be part of this Major exhibition. If you are in Edinburgh during August/early Sept, do pop along to the Royal Scottish Academy where you will find ‘Tussocks’ and ‘Tufts’.
Needless to say I am more than delighted to be part of this conversation – sharing my practice, encouraging others to be creative, recognition of how wonderful paint is, how artwork can be a positive influence for everyone. Most of all meeting new people who work hard and are dedicated to the creative landscape that we live, here in Scotland.
For more information, please visit The Royal Scottish Academy Website or keep an eye on socials.
Laura Drever 