Deen Scene - What's On # 27!

Hello! Welcome to Deen Scene # 27!

Firstly if you've signed up for my newsletter thank you. If you've opened a link on one of my socials to get there then thank you too. Engagement is key and with so many things vying for your attention I'm glad that you've taken a minute to check this out. Also happy Star Wars day, you'll find more about that below. Now onto the good stuff as we look at What's On Aberdeen!

What's On Aberdeen

Exhibitions, artist talks, gigs, workshops and everything else that you might want to check out! Check out what's new and click on the flyers for more info about on going events.

First up this month we have 'Come Together' curated by the illusive G.Horne. Curating a host of talents both from Aberdeen and abroad, the show is set to be a multi disciplinary exhibition, literally a coming together of artists, friends, art work, music and all the things that make life so special. Anything less and ill be after a refund!

The show is of course free to attend and will be on show at the Arkade Gallery space in The Anatomy Rooms where my studio is based so if anyone is unsure about attending or would like an exhibition buddy then just drop me a line and we can chum along. You can find out more about the exhibition via Facebook and Instagram.

Creative Me podcast founder Ica Headlam has been a strong advocate for representation and access to resources for bipoc creatives across Scotland. Founded in 2020, We Are Here Scotland has worked to build a new creative network which addresses some of these problems including the creation of mentoring programmes and providing access to project funding for bipoc artists.

2022 marks a new chapter for WAHS as they up the ante with a series of events in conjunction with Aberdeen Performing Arts including workshops, performances and opportunities to learn more about the important work being done across Scotland. You can find out details about all the events here.

Leopard Arts are back at the Blue Lamp for An Evening With...

'Leopard Arts presents a stirring line-up of writers and musicians for an intimate evening of entertainment at The Blue Lamp. This curated set of four long form performances brings to the stage a scintillating collection of highly-rated, locally-based performers and enjoy a fine collection of poetry, creative monologues and acoustic music.'

I'm a big fan of the Leopard Arts team, I haven't made it to nearly as many events I should but I hope to get along to this one! Find full details for an evening with here. 

City Moves will be gearing up for their 'Dance Live 22' events which are scheduled for October this year. I know that seems a long way off but sadly the summer will pass in the blink of an eye so happy in the knowledge that City Moves will be on hand. 

In the meantime the studio has a full programme of dance classes, yoga sessions, workshops and a load more to help get us fit and ready for the coming months. My studio is almost next door to their space in The Anatomy Rooms and it always sounds like there's a lot of people having fun so if you're looking to try something new regardless of age or ability then I highly recommend checking out their weekly programmes. You can get more details via their website or facebook. 

Deemouth Artist Studios are hosting a 'Spring Open Studios Event' on the 7th & 8th of May. You'll get a chance to peek through the door and step over the threshold into the world of lots of Aberdeen creatives including jewellery designers, potters and fashion designers.

You can find more details via the Deemouth facebook page. 

I'm chuffed to share that Nuart Aberdeen will be returning in June for their first full festival since 2019! Along with some new murals and street art works the festival also offers a Nuart Plus programme of events including workshops, artist talks, panel debates, street art tours and more. 

Being involved with Nuart since its arrival in 2017 I'm always incredibly proud of the team work that goes into delivering the festival and seeing people join us for tours all through the summer so I can't wait to get into the thick of it again! You'll find all the relevent information in the coming weeks here. 

My final exhibition highlight comes from the Tatha Gallery located at Newport on Tay in Fife. It's really only a stones throw down the coast but with the cost of petrol its maybe a bit out of reach. Thankfully the gallery team Lindsay and Claire do a great job sharing their exhibitions via social media and was chuffed to see a double header show with Barry McGlashan & Paul Furneaux RSA. 

Barry & Paul are both well known within their respective fields and have both shown in Aberdeen previously and seem like a perfect pairing. If you're unable to make it to Newport fear not, you can check out all the works in the show and some insightful videos here.

Click on the flyers for more information!

Artist Highlight - Stuart Allan

It's always been an important aspect of the blog to highlight and champion local artists and creatives. Along with my 'Creative A to Z' page I've also been taking a proper look at the work of artists who's work has grabbed my attention and inspired me over the last year. So to kick things off we have The Artwork of Stuart Allan!

Today I'm looking at the artwork of Stuart Allan! I've know Stuart for longer than I care to share but I have fond memories of seeing him at The Palace back when Nu Metal was still new and we became good friends through a shared love of music and comic books. Of course I found out Stuart was hiding a secret, he could paint and not just that but he was really good at it!

During his time at Grays he painted two portraits of me which is a real honour, seeing oneself immortalised in that way. I'd originally intended to wait until Stuart was skint and make him a lowball offer for my portrait but it was purchased straight away on the opening night of his degree show with many of his paintings selling on the night. Thankfully he tool the time to paint a second portrait a few years later when I got a bit fatter and it looks down on me from my living room wall. Stuart has a magical ability to capture people as you'll see from his portrait of swimming Gold medalist Hannah Miley, whether its in oil paint or using modern technology like an iPad Pro. His work has shifted over the years as his focus changed from intimate portraits of friends to icons of the big and small screen including cult classics like Blade Runner and the iconic Xenomorphs in Alien to Mayday Queens like Dani in Midsommar (warning that film is scary as hell!).  

Jumping between projects Stuart has also produced numerous pieces of street art, swapping brushes for spray cans working on large scale collaborative murals with Craig Fisher both in the UK and America whilst also producing work for Painted Doors Aberdeen (check out my video below) and the Victoria Art Road project in Torry. It seems whatever Stuart turns his hand to it comes out great from giant murals to spicy hot sauce labels, he's a true jack of all trades but I'd argue he's mastered them as well. 

His latest work continues to play with cultural icons and death metal iconography while he jumps between bold graphics and fine detailed portraiture as continues to refine his skills. With various prints and zines in the works be sure to check out more of Stuarts work here.

Sound & Vision

Music and artist films are also an integral part of the blog so here's a selection of music, up coming gigs and videos from across the Deen Scene!

Indie stalwarts The Charlatans will finally be playing The Music Hall on the 17th May after their original dates were postponed last year. Celebrating their 30th / 31st Anniversary, the Best Of tour will be a chance to hear hits from their extensive back catalogue along with highlights from their 2017 album 'Different Days'. During the 90's heyday I managed to see quite a few of the top bands but always missed out on seeing The Charlatans so maybe some 25 years on I'll finally put it right!

Check out the video for The Charlatans classic Tellin' Stories below.

Check out a few more interesting gigs coming up this month and next!

We finally launched our K:ART Project at the Arkade Gallery in The Anatomy Rooms. I say we as in Kekun Studio. Inspired by artist Craig Barrowman and seeing a need for a more flexible way to access and engage with the arts I came up with the idea of a mobile gallery space that can be easily moved around the city whilst also adaptable to a range of user needs. My partner Mary took my rough drawings and worked up a successful funding application which allowed us to work with Callum Barrack of POLKA Studio who applied his design skills and came up with a few designs which we tweaked into our final design.

The launch event gave members of the public and Aberdeen creatives the opportunity to ask questions about the project and how it could be used whilst also giving feedback to help us improve the project. There's still a lot of work ahead as we look to build a full size version in the coming weeks and reporting our findings to the council but we hope to get the first K:ART rolling out in the coming weeks so watch out for us!

You can more information about the project here. 

Artist Chris Bisset aka Jetpack Dinosaur has been busy these past few months working out new ideas in his sketchbook. One idea is this piece based on a photograph I took down at Palmerston Road a few months back. The piece is A2+ and created using grayscale markers and Posca pens on Hanhemuhl cold press paper.
You can check out more of Jetpacks work on his shop & instagram. 

New On The Blog - Star Wars Day!

Well in honor of it being May 4th aka Star Wars Day I've whipped up a brand new blog post exploring some of my favourite star wars related artists and artworks featuring original concept paintings by Ralph McQuarrie, street and graffiti works by Flying Fortress & French tile artist Invader along with Warhol inspired prints from RYCA.   
Check out all things Star Wars on the blog here. Happy May the Fourth everyone!  

New On The Blog - Weekend Warriors & Monday Blues!

As the days get longer I find myself getting out more and exploring, always hopeful to stumble across things of interest whether it a trip into town or exploring abandoned farm buildings. In my new blog post I look at some of the posters which have recently appeared around town along with a few self initiated projects by friends Dave & PurshOne. Check it out here. 

 

Other News & Thank You

The chaps at Hanon Shop recently unveiled their latest collaborative sneaker with Kahru with the Legacy 96 Highland Games. Inspired by the traditional Scottish Highland Games which take place across the land, most notably in Braemar where the Royal Family are often in attendance.

'Unearthed from Karhu’s back catalogue of heritage training shoes and drawing from the spirit of the games, the Legacy 96 is presented in a unique execution by HANON and looks to the rich colour spectrum associated with highland dress and the great outdoors. The shoe features a premium upper of rugged suede and mesh whilst pony hair detail appears throughout as a salute to the kilt sporran.'

The shoe was launched with a special whisky tasting event at Faffless Aberdeen while those hoping to cop a pair took their chances on the launch day with an Online Raffle. I'd imagine these sold out pretty fast as is the case for most of Hanons collabs and its easy to see why with their super attention to detail and strong advertising campaigns. Be sure to check out more about the project here. 

Thanks for checking out Deen Scene # 27. Hopefully you can make along to a few of the aforementioned events and exhibitions. I know it can be hard to find the time but even if you make it to one thing then you'll be supporting an artist or musician or gallery and that means a lot to them. I'll leave you with this new print by a personal hero of mine, Stanley Donwood of Radiohead fame!