I had a fabulous day out recently at the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh, in particular viewing the Scottish Arts Trust Landscape Awards exhibition. Before I write into that space, I’d like to mention a gallery I visited last month in Dundee (yes, I’ve been so slack, I’m only just getting around to post).
Tartan, Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Dundee
The building is, in itself, a magnificent work of art with curving concrete walls that twist to form a tunnel connecting city and river. The rough stone panels create the appearance of a Scottish cliff face.
The Tartan Exhibition is a tour de force, presenting tartan in a whole new light. My limited knowledge extended to traditional representations of tartan and, whilst that is showcased in the V&A presentation, there’s so much more. I learnt of its radical, contradictory side: tartan as high fashion; tartan as cheeky performance and stunning graphic design. My favourite pieces depicted the anarchy of tartan, the punk.
Scottish Arts Trust Landscape Awards Exhibition, City Arts Centre, Edinburgh
It is not often that I immediately and whole-heartedly agree with judges’ choices in art competitions (I am not artist, after all) but the winning entry in this exhibition is exquisite in so many ways and very deserving (IMHO) of the win. ‘Bass Rock’ by Kate Davis and David Moore was created by weaving sheet music (Scottish folk songs from the 18th century) to create a haunting depiction of Bass Rock. The piece is a lyrical, loving, tribute to landscape that brought tears to my eyes.
With two floors of magnificent landscapes, it is hard to pick favourites and, once again, my photography ‘skills’ let me down. However, I’ll give a mention to Magi Sinclair for Flow Mist Rising (winner of the Environmental Art award). Some other favourites of mine were Wild Swimming by John Ferry and Curiosity in Glencoe by Reinhard Behrens.
You can view the winning entries on the Awards page here but there is nothing like seeing them all hanging in the beautifully curated exhibition. If you can’t get to view the exhibition, you might like to get yourself a copy of the stunning, detailed catalogue, which includes all the works on display.
I am not sure you are old enough to remember the ‘gangs’ of the 1960s, but Sharpies in particular wore tartan flares (trousers). I wasn’t a Sharpie – I’m sure my father wouldn’t have let me shave my head – but I did have an excellent pair of brown and blue tartan not excessively flared trousers (and a pale blue crew neck sweater and a short black duffel coat). I was the bees knees.
I do know about the Sharpie’s. After seeing all that gorgeous tartan, your outfit sounds smashing. I would have been highly impressed, had I seen you strutting down the street.