Methadone Love III

Hello everyone,

First of all I want to thank all of you who have been in to view, and indeed champion, award-winning artist Norrie Harman's solo exhibition, 'Way Out West'.  The response we have received here at UG has been quite overwhelming and re-affirms everything that we believe in as a gallery: the support and encouragement that we gain from artists and visitors alike creates a very special and precious partnership indeed.

So I've thought long and hard about this blog: in the last one, on 'Kim Kim', I was keen to demonstrate that, although Norrie Harman's work is uncompromisingly strong and sometimes even brutal, if you open your eyes a little bit more, your discover what I believe is the most potent aspect of all - the sensitivity.  'Methadone Love III' takes this to a whole new level.

So here it is, in all its shocking glory:

'Methadone Love III', watercolour & indian ink, by Norrie Harman.
So now might be an appropriate time to stop reading if you are at all offended, but to be fair I see and hear much worse every day - just watch the news for a start!.
Again, if it's not your bag move along now before we get into any more detail.
Too late:

'Methadone Love III', detail, by Norrie Harman.

On completion of each of his works, Norrie sent us an image of the painting.  With 'Methadone Love III', he sent us only the detail below which, I am sure you will agree, is a very fine observation of the female's head:

'Methadone Love III', detail, by Norrie Harman.

I can't help wondering what it says about the art world that an artist sometimes feels the need to sensor, or edit, their work in order to get it accepted  -  to show only the 'pretty bits' to get it the wall space it deserves.  This is not the case with UG: this is a wonderful work of art that we are proud to have in the gallery.  I remember a comment made by my artist friend and contemporary, Patsy McArthur, who once said, "you can't help what comes out of you'.  Of course she was right - as an artist you go the the whole hog or not at all and that is particularly pertinent when talking about an artist with as unique a voice as Norrie Harman.

The nameless, helpless, but still beautiful woman in 'Methadone Love III' has haunted me since I first saw the work, and I think about her situation often.  On speaking to Norrie about the 'offending' artwork, he explained: 'I tried to treat it with as much sensitivity as I could.  I deliberately wasn't too graphic with her genatalia'.
In doing so, Norrie has allowed this woman to retain some dignity and, by painting her face so beautifully and in a manner only he can do, allows us to consider the painting as a whole: shocking, yes, but beautifully so.

Looking at this painting, I can't help but notice the empathy and non-judgemental stance of the artist.  In her drug induced state, her hand fumbles around searching for some affection, landing awkwardly on the head of her lover.  In spite of herself, she has at least managed to participate in some way that is remotely agreeable to her.

We know that, in the history of art, there have been great works of art that have been deemed too offensive or controversial to be seen by the public.  Once censored, or simply excluded from public display, some are now heralded as forward-thinking and enlightened comments of the time.  I believe that 'Norrie Harman's 'Methadone Love III', and his exhibition as a whole, should be seen as a 21st Century equivalent - a powerful and bold statement about the world we live in.

Speak soon. 

 

Endless Possible Futures

Hello everyone,

I've been thinking lately that the month of January gets quite a lot of bad press.  Sure, it can be grey, cold and tight financially, but lets face it, it is just a month in a man-made calendar and surely it can be just what you make it?  Perhaps we should enforce some mind over matter.....

On Tuesday, here in Edinburgh we experienced the coldest day so far this winter which, of course, is to be expected at this time of year. But it was also a beautiful day with bright blue skies and, dare I say it, a welcome appearance from the sun!  So it may have been cold, but it was also a day to feel positive about the impending arrival of Spring in a month or so.

At UG we are also feeling positive and excited about the amazing exhibitions we have lined up for this year and about what the future may bring.  I've been thinking a lot about this high voltage number and believe it sums up out positive state of mind:

'Endless Possible Futures', oil on canvas, by Patsy McArthur.
Award-winning artist Patsy McArthur will be having a major exhibition with us in the 'endless possible future, and it will be a belter.  But as we all know, the best things come to those who wait....

In the  meantime, if I have failed to persuade you that January is not a really shite month, the have a look at what else is coming up:

A truly inspirational and beautiful start to the year.  Not to be missed....

Blimey!  And then we have this:

'Ragged Robin', oil on canvas, by Cathy Campbell.
Folks, if Glasgow-based painter Cathy Campbell's still lifes don't melt your heart, nothing will!  Subtle yet powerful, I believe that Cathy's paintings are a metaphor not just for the artist, but for many of our lives - a highly skilled and unique talent that speaks a universal language.  There is a lot of interest in Cathy Campbell's first solo exhibition in Edinburgh and we want to share it with as many visitors as possible.  So don't be shy, come and be inspired in March.

And here's a lovely photo of artists Kevin Low and Stewart Bremner finalising details of their exhibition, 'Worlds Apart', which will open on Kevin's birthday, April 5th.  It won't only be a party to remember, but a stunning exhibition to boot.

We've only tickled the surface of UG's delights for 2012, so stay tuned to learn more about award-winning artists Jenny Matthews and Janet Melrose RSW, and brilliant artistic assassin Norrie Harman.

Speak soon.

Its Festival Time!

Hello everyone

Its August again, and that means one thing here in bustling Edinburgh....its Festival time!
Througout July many visitors to the gallery have asked how we could match the outstanding Dylan Lisle, Patsy McArthur exhibition. A good question.

I think we have the answer........

and......

Don't miss this superb exhibition.

http://www.edinburghartfestival.com/

Momentous Moments

Hi All

So July has been a momentous month for Union Gallery, not only has the amazing Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur Exhibition been a huge success, but a lot more has been going on besides.
To celebrate our month of milestones, we had a wee party on Saturday:

As you can see, much fun was had by all.....

As well as much debate

And serious discussion on the exceptional merits of the two fabulous painters on display.

There are still 5 days to come and see the exhibition, and I can't recommend a visit to Union Gallery enough to those who have not yet managed to make it.  Both Dylan and Patsy are becoming so successful that the likelyhood of seeing them exhibiting together again is extremely small, and this may be a rare opportunity to see such a large body of work from either artist for some time. I can guarantee that if you make the trip to Broughton Street in the next few days, you will be rewarded with an exhibition of exceptional quality and craft: a real feast for the senses.

Here's a couple of images to remind you of what you will be seeing:

'Before the Show' by Dylan Lisle

'The Open Road' by  Patsy McArthur

And one final look at the party on Saturday, where even the kids were overwhemed by the show:
You may have noticed the huge improvement on the photography front. Having accepted I'm useless with a camera, these brilliant snaps were taken care of snap happy wizzard Stewart Bremner.

 

A Model Blog

Hello everyone,

I hope you all have a lovely weekend

During the opening of  the Lisle/McArthur spectacular, I was lucky enough to meet Richard, aka the model for "Half Way Home". A really charming chap who was telling me that by the time he and Patsy McArthur had finished the shots for the piece, he was up to his knees in the sea!

 












"Half Way Home" by Patsy McArthur
This doesn't surprise me; I can tell that Patsy puts her models through their paces to get the desired effects.  This accounts for the movement and energy in her work.  I wish I could have met the brave and athletic model who was daring enough to do this:

 
















"Endless Possible Futures" by Patsy McArthur
This has to be an all-time favourite of mine from Patsy's new body of work. I look at it everyday and am completely fascinated by the idea that these men are destined to be forever tumbling. That a 'static' painting can so successfully capture the feeling of these people in free fall, spining out of the sky, is remarkable.  
A couple of interesting facts to tell you about award winning artist Patsy McArthur: a few years back, the Royal Scottish Academy, here in Edinburgh, bought one of her pieces for their own collection - a serious accolade indeed.  Not long after that, she was highlighted in The Scotsman as one of the best up-and-coming artists in Scotland - a remarkable achievement when still only in her 20's. I hope that she won't mind me telling you that a number of years ago she said something to me in relation to my own work that has stayed with me ever since. I was struggling with classic artists angst over my paintings, and she simply said, "Alison, you can't help what comes out of you". It has stuck with me all these years and I suspect I may have even quoted her when talking to other artists. Experience and wisdom beyong her years.

I'm annoyed that I didn't spot Amy Mackie at the opening. Amy is the superb model for:

"Knowledge" by Dylan Lisle
Having been lucky enough to have seen much of Dylan Lisle's paintings as works in progress (and, wow, that really is fascinating!), I feel in an odd way that I have got to know her, and that I would recognise her immediately. Although it was rather busy that night, with lots of lovely people to meet. Thank you, Amy, for your wonderful contribution.

  
















"Decima" by Dylan Lisle
Yes, I confess that I am the model behind this beautiful painting (Dylan Lisle truly CAN work miracles!), and I also modelled for "Gemini", which you can see on his page on our website.

Ending with: 

This happy picture of Dylan was taken way back in February. Both he and Patsy were already working hard on this exhibition, and he looks really calm! The point is, it just goes to show how long and how labour intensive it is to put on an exhibition such as this. Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur have put everything into this incredible show: they have pushed their skills, techniques, imaginations and creative capabilities to the absolute limits. It shows, and if you haven't already been in, you really should.
To say I am really proud and grateful would be an understatement.

Hotter than July!

Hello everyone

And a warm welcome to our latest blog followers.

So last Thursday saw the extremely busy opening of the hottest ticket in town....the long anticipated exhibtion of deadly talented artists, Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur. Take a look:

and

and on the inside (after the opening!):

Wow......

Breathtaking and powerful stuff. If I've not already said, you MUST come to see this exhibition. It's a one off and never again will you get to see these two extraordinary artists under one roof.

Prepare to be amazed........

Clash of the Titans

The stage is set.......

And...

Artists Dylan Lisle and Patsy McArthur take to the walls.