Although the exhibition has finished and not many were able to see it while it was on the 'Shared Collective Heritage Exhibition' at The Suttie Arts Space might be my favourite shows this year. Admittedly none of us have been out and about due to the pandemic but I've found myself enjoying taking a break from the pressures of life, including writing and researching things for the blog. I've always kept the blog going because of the wealth of talented artists we have in Aberdeen and to keep trying to highlight Aberdeen as a city of culture where art exists beyond the usual studios and galleries.
One of my favourite gallery spaces is located in the heart of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, admittedly not somewhere you'd want to be during a global health crisis as the news stream blasts you with pictures of over run hospital wards and staff on their knees. But with that said the team working on the Shared Collective Heritage project have been steadfast in their resolve to push the project forward and have helped to give me a creative boost when life seemed to be on hold. With a range of projects in the works, the team pushed on through the first lock down and decided to continue with some of the planned events including this exhibition. Of course they knew that few would actually see the show in real life but part of the wider project has been to digitise the extensive collection held by GHAT and to create a series of short films about some of the artists who's work sits in the collection.
2020 has certainly been the year of moving things online whether its work meetings or exhibitions. From the degree shows to smaller scale events, it seems like the online world has become overwhelmed as everyone fights for their piece of digital real estate. And fair play to those who have been working hard to bridge the gaps and adapting to the new landscape. For me I've enjoyed the Heritage teams more laid back approach to things, indeed seeing the images of their artworks just serves as a reminder that I have missed seeing shows in real life and ill have to pay a visit when its finally safe to do so.
For more information about the show and the art works featured check out the exhibition catalogue here but only if you want to. Over the last 8 months I've found myself flitting between enjoying seeing what everyone is doing online but then wishing folk would stop and catch their breath. As artists and creatives a lot of our value is tied up in being busy and it can be difficult to stop for fear that you might lose something or miss an opportunity. I go through months at a time where I do very little, whether its the blog or working in the studio and that's ok for me, especially as I don't rely on either to pay the bills. Be sure to look after you, take those breaks when you need to and put in the energy where its needed and if you're happy working at 110% then more power to you.
