We're almost into August and July has been jam packed full of events and exhibitions with some finishing up while others are just kicking off! You can check out a fuller list of events to check out over on the What's On page.
We kicked off July with a special Art Hive at our new studio space Kekun (like coocoon but spelt funny) and hosted presentations from good friends Genevive aka Throwup Gallery and artist and friend KMG Yeah along with a brief history of Mary Butterworths illustrious art career and I presented a little bit about the studio and our aims and ambitions. Sadly we don't have wi-fi yet so we couldn't stream the talks but hey, if you were there then hopefuly you enjoyed it and if you weren't, carpie diem! You can find out a little more about the event via the blog here.
A real suprise and highlight from July came from Claire Roberts and her incredible reductive lino prints which are on show at Parx Cafe. With so much online exposure to artwork its easy to become slightly desensitised to good work, especially seen through the phone screen but I was genuinely delighted when I discovered the quirky, cute and colourful works of Claire. Having spent many months working at Peacocks, Claire told was kind enough to tell me about the process of printing each layer before carving away to reveal the next step meaning a mistake at any point in the process would result in mistakes. Her skill and ability are without doubt and each piece character has a depth. The works will be on display for a few more weeks so be sure to pop down to Parx for a tasty lunch and check out Claires work!
Junction Arts celebrated a mile stone 10 years of business and picked an incredible selection of work from many of the artists they've worked with over that 10 year period. From painting to collage and digital prints and 3D work, there's a fine mix of styles and artists on show along with the usual selection of local artists and designers work including Small Stories aka Gabi Reith and Bee Struthers. At a time when small independent business are struggling its important to support them when you can and 10 years in Elaine has done a fantastic job in supporting local artists and makers so be sure to give back and get down and support!
One of the best kept street art secrets in Aberdeen is the incredible VHILS piece located in a Belmont Street eatery. Not being a huge fan of the popular chicken franchise I've not actually been in apart from to show the guys from Brooklyn Street Art when they visited in 2017. So when Mary suggested we pop in for a bite to eat I figured it would be the perfect excuse to check out this piece in a bit more detail. Having seen VHILS work in Lisbon and videos of his process its great to see it up close, the textures and material nature of the work but also the depth of a portrait smashed out of a wall. I'm keeping my fingers crossed well see more work from VHILS in Aberdeen!
Keeping with art in the streets, Jim Ewen has recently finished the latest edition to the Painted Doors project with a stunning door located next to The Anatomy Rooms, located at the back of Marischal College. Inspired by his collage works and fascination with the early space shuttle launches, titled 'Wonder of Wonders' the door is a great addition to the project and takes you off the beaten path a little as street art should. There's a handy map here so be sure to get out and explore the city!
'Way Through' is on show down at Transition Extreme and features hundreds of paintings and drawings by Alison Chandler. The story behind the exhibition is quite something, a cancer diagnosis and a need to express and make sense of what it all meant formed the starting point and 2 years later Alison has finally shown the paintings, an ongoing set as she still navigates through. The show is quite something to see, the sheer volume of work is incredible but the themes and ideas behind it even more so. I'm not sure if the show is still up but you can find out more information about Alison and the 'Way Through' here.
'Coterie' is a group show featuring Elaine Forrest, Jo Mcintosh and Ashlegih Norrie. Located up stairs at Foodstory, the show is a beautiful mix of print, pattern and textile. With only a few days left you'll need to be quick if you want to see it for yourself (always better) but I've done a blog post about the work here.
'Offshore Fieldnotes' is the new solo show from Aberdeen artist and print maker William Moulding. On show at the Peacocks W OR M space, the show featuring a selection of large and small scale prints by Willy inspired by his numerous trips offshore. The show was up for two weeks and has now finished but it was a beautiful collection, especially the 30 mini print box set. You can still purchase prints online via the Peacocks print shop and you can check out my take on the show here.
Long before Nuart Aberdeen we were lucky to be visited by the elusive Toaster. Who are they? Why a toaster? What does it mean? Well for anyone who's not sure Toaster is one of the original street artists, in the truest sense of the term. They visited Aberdeen way back in 2014 as part of their 'Toaster Tuesday' art drops and left a piece but I wasn't quick enough to snag it (read more about that here). Luckily this time around I was able to pick up the prized piece, a great addition to my collection. For the full story about Toaster check out this short documentary here and keep an eye out for more in the Deen from this street art renegade!
'Mustard Blanket' is a new group show up at The Suttie Art Space at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Inspired by the name of the paint used to paint the space, the show features work from Francis Disley, Flo Gordon and personal favourite Laura McGlinchey. Its been two years since I worked and documented Laura during her Graduate in Residency at Grays (check it out here and here) so its great to see her work up close again. The show runs at Suttie til the end of August.
The good folks at Curated Stories (pretty much the best shop in Aberdeen) continue to help local creatives by opening up their space on Chattan Place to local makers and designers. This weekend saw them team up with Westburn & Granite who curated a fine selection of brands including Juniper Press, Adamant Clothing and art work from David Ian Brown and Ade Adesina. These kind of events are so important as they provide a visible outlet and highlight just how much great talent we have in Aberdeen. You can check out the full run down of makers here and give their pages a follow, check out their online shops and support locals.
It seemed to be the weekend for pop ups with a group of local textile designers also hosting a pop up sample sale at Foodstory. Painted Doors artist Helen Ruth Scarves brought a selection of wares to the table along with Lindsay & Yoshi, Danielle Rattray, Paper House Design, Mimi Hammill & Labour of Love. I particularly liked the yellow jumpers with 'Art Hoe' on the front but ill need to wait for pay day before picking up some new threads.
Creative Me podcast came through with another great interview this time with KMG Yeah. Katie has worked so hard over the last few years and has worked on some huge projects this year including assisting on Nuart Aberdeen, customising shoes for Dr Martens, making a giant Ken for Pictoplasma in Berlin, painting in Barcelona and the Jealous roof top mural. Kick back and enjoy Katie's story so far...
So onto a few events that are coming up in August! First up Jo Muir has a new solo show at The Anatomy Rooms next Friday. 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' is the final show as part of the 'Underpinnings Programme' and if Jo's last exhibition is anything to go by (read about it here) then it's sure to be an interesting night. You can find the full Facebook event details here.
Next weekend also see's Doric Skateboards take over the Belmont Filmhouse Kino Bar as they launch a new skate deck along with an exhibition of classic skate decks (if Gary's loft stash is anything to go by then expect some cracking old skool pieces) along with all the Doric boards to date. There will be a pop up shop so you can grab some Doric merch and they've also organised a special film screening of the classic skateboarding documentary Dog Town & The Z Boys. You can find the full Facebook event details here.
That's it for now, what a month its been and with August quickly filling up expect another hefty up date soon. Til then enjoy this final pic from the Broadhill many moons ago!
