Well it seems like we're headed for a Winter of discontent as the UK and the world continues to tackle the Covid19 pandemic. It feels like there's an ever changing plan (because there is) and with each change it brings new restrictions and problems which we have to adapt to. This can be lead to anxiety and stress, especially for those working in hospitality and the arts and I feel for anyone facing an uncertain future. Remember the collective spirit and unity of the first lock down and how everyone banded together to look out for the vulnerable in our society, lets have more of that and apply it across the board to everyone. Be kind, be compassionate, be easy on yourself if struggling and speak to friends and family if you need to lighten the load.
Aberdeen seems to have taken an early hit with a second lock down in July but it looks like we're in a better position now with the Covid numbers. And despite the lock down things haven't stopped behind the scenes and the team at GHAT have programmed a really important show in their Suttie Art Space with the 'Shared Collective Heritage' exhibition. The exhibition is part of a broader project under the same heading which in their own words "is a project that preserves and celebrates the artistic heritage that connects people and places across the North East of Scotland". The GHAT collection is quite impressive and certainly traces a few key branches of art and artists from across the North East and intersects with other collections including Aberdeen Art Gallery and Grays School of Art to provide an important over view of some incredible artists.
It's a shame that due to restrictions not many will be able to see the show but as work continues to digitise the extensive GHAT collection their helping to future proof the artworks and help broaden access to many key works. The project is also working on a series of short films documenting artists who's work sits in their collecting like Ade Adesina along with plans for new acquisitions in the coming years to help broaden the collections scope. Having been part of the steering group for the project it's been fantastic to learn more about the project first hand and to see the culmination of what has been a lot of hard work by Lesley and the team. Although I wouldn't recommend visiting ARI for obvious reasons you can still view photos of the exhibition and artworks on the GHAT site. Be sure to check it out here and let me know your favourites.
My partner and artist Mary Louise Butterworth and Shelagh Swanson recently completed a new community mural in Banchory (above) as part of a project with ADP South Community Forum. The mural was the culmination of a series of workshops with different age groups in the Banchory area and adds a fair bit of colour to the old rose garden wall. As I watched Mary & Shelia at work it was great to see so many locals pass by and stop to chat with them about the wall. With no Nuart this year it provided a nice reminder of the important interactions created by these projects and the murals which continue to engage the community long after the painting is finished. It's important to mention that some of the workshops included school children, seniors at the Bellfield Care home and people who are facing addiction issues, a broad swatch of people from the area. Although a painting on a wall isn't going to solve all the problems people are facing its still great that everyone gets to have a voice and to be part of the project. There's a lot of healing to be had from art projects and social engagement, being in the company of supportive people and in turn listening and supporting others. I think these things have proven even more important in 2020.
Recent Grays graduate Naomi McLure has new mini exhibition on at Parx Cafe until next week. Curated by Second Home Aberdeen who are currently in the process of setting up their new studio space, the show features a host of new works by Naomi who hasn't stopped since her degree show in 2019 with works featured in the RSA New Contempoaries show and the SSA / VSA show last December along with a host of online shows in 2020. As I always say you can't beat seeing art works in real life so if you're feeling peckish be sure to pick up some lunch at the best lunch spot in town and check out the show!
As Aberdeen Art Gallery re opened its doors (again) it also opened the latest edition of the Portrait Award in the new upper floor gallery. Over the years I've found that few exhibitions showcase the breadth and talent of contemporary painting like the Portrait Award. Although its a very specific field the range of works on show is as diverse as the sitters from colourful and dynamic portraits to stark and moody depictions of writers like Will Self. I'll be taking a more in depth look at the show and will be heading back for a second visit to admire the work on show and to formulate a few more ideas about what the Portrait Award means in 2020. It's certainly worth you're time for a visit.
Although many will say that 2020 has been the worst year ever I'd have to disagree for the mighty CS Buchan has a new album coming out titled 'Where Have All My Friends Gone?'. An apt title if ever that was, Charley has dusted off his stetson and donned his spangly jacket for another dose of nostalgia tinged alt pop. His 'Material Others' album is one of my favourite records and his work with Best Girl Athlete speaks for itself. If in doubt, just check out the incredible video for latest single 'Going Down Together' which you can watch here. They don't make em like that anymore and I'm glad Charley is back to remind us of what we're missing!
Deemouth Artist Studios are bravely hosting a 'Christmas Market Pop Up' on the 14th & 15th of November. I say bravely as so many planned events have been cancelled this year and nothing seems to be certain apart from the Tories wanting everyone to catch Covid and how much they fucked up the UKs response to the pandemic. But from political Tories to Torry the place in Aberdeen, it's home to lots of wonderful and creative people and the location of Deemouth Artist Studios. You'll find a welcoming group at the pop up featuring work for sale by many of the studio residents including cool ceramics from Kevin Andrew Morris. We attended the studios 'NEOS' show and they did a great job of working within the restrictions so be sure to pop over for a visit next weekend.
I've been enjoying finding the numerous public sculptures and art works dotted around Aberdeen as the lockdown provided a good reason to get out for walks. But it looks like I need to start branching out a bit further a field and after a friend shared some pics on social media it looks like Lumsden is the place to go. Lumsden is a small rural village beside the Cairngorms and being home to the Scottish Sculpture Workshop it makes sense that the area has its own 'sculpture walk' but finding any information about the trail online does prove difficult. Perhaps that's why I'm only discovering it now but ill be sure to share my findings when I get over to that neck of the woods for a good wander in the yonder.
A bit further a field, London based artist Lily Mixe has a new show opening at That Art Gallery in Bristol. I'd first seen Lily's incredible drawings via street art blog Hooked Blog and stumbled across her work on a few trips to London over the years. Her new solo show 'Symbiosis' has just opened (and sadly closed again due to restrictions) but you can still admire the artwork via the galleries website here. Lilys work has always featured intricately detailed elements, like the natural world under a microscope but scaled up to a unique perspective. Be sure to have a look at the show on line and check out more of Lilys work here.
To finish up here's a high energy feel good belter of a tune from Future Islands who are one of my favourite bands of the last few years. I finally picked up a copy of new album 'As Long As You Are' and will be enjoying the new tunes at the studio over the coming months.
It's been a strange time this year and it's easy to focus on all the things that have gone wrong and indeed with Brexit looming the future is uncertain. But Trump is out! And as always I find there's lots to be thankful for including the many friends I've met through doing the blog. There have been many occasions over the years when I've thought about packing it in but I've always come back to it, even after 12 years I still get a kick out of discovering new artists and checking in with old faces. It's hard to put into words how its helped me but it has and the biggest part of that is people, from artists I've known 20 years to folk who have just discovered the page. As we question what's next for Aberdeen and can it become a city of culture I'm happy to stand up and say it is already, you might not see it yet but its there so lets keep pushing and building ourselves up.
Look after each other.
