A Life in Pictures

Being immersed in all things Alasdair Gray for the last month has been more than an enriching experience. 

Having always been aware of this great Scottish talent, I wasn't really familiar with the depth and breadth of the man and his contribution to the world of art, literature, also spreading into the fields of philosophy, politics and religious debate.

The exhibition has has been a feast for my eyes, heart and mind, and I think the man is astonishing.  I have been reading his stunning autobiography A Life in Pictures.  It charts his family background, his childhood, inspirations, loves, losses, and of course the works of art that have been the constant heartbeat in the background and in the foreground of his life.

Most of all, he communicates with the world the way few of us are able to do.  Some of the writings can floor you with their brutal honesty.  But you get it, you know what he means, he just said it first.  And then come the illustrations, where colour and each line of intricate beauty make the words bigger and rounder because everything has dimension, light and shade, and most of all, things always change depending on where and when you are viewing them from.





As I make my way through his writings my mind, at least momentarily, is moved from it's well-worn path.  I feel enriched.  I only experience this in the beauty of nature and in the presence of great art. 

This exhibition continues until 13 May.  Catch it while you can.

We also have several copies of Alasdair's beautifully illustrated autobiography (and they're cheaper than in the shops!).

Thanks for reading!

Natalie

Packing a Punch

The Alasdair Gray and Joyce Gunn Cairns exhibition has already enjoyed an amazing number of visitors and I'm delighted to say that the sales haven't stopped since the opening on Sunday.

The gallery looks and feels quite different.  There is so much to absorb visually, and as people approach the works and start to read, they find themselves entering the unique world of Alasdair Gray, or of one of Joyce's favourite poems.

 

I know what the different feeling is - it's gentle and reflective. 

Often an exhibition is bold, colourful, commanding. What I find interesting is that this is possibly the boldest exhibition that the gallery has had, with the most arresting works by fearless and uncompromising artists. And yet it feels very calm. 

Maybe it's the subtlety of impact.  Alasdair's screen prints are of his beautiful and intricate drawings, and it's not until you read the literary content that they pack a real punch. 

And Joyce's subject matter often involves life at its rawest, but she descibes this in such a muted and gentle way. 

These two really are great artists and the gallery has been transformed into something quite special.  

We also have some very strong work from sculptor Tom Allan punctuating the gallery space.  As people meander through, they read, they discuss, they look through the signed copy of Alasdair's latest book, 'A Life in Pictures' and they take their time to peruse the lenghty and impressive CVs on display.

It feels very special to me, and I'm so glad to have four more weeks to enjoy the experience.


Thanks for reading!


Natalie