NEW EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS
There is a great deal to admire in this varied and wide-ranging show, with the artists tackling themes which include life, death, hope, redemption, tragedy and beauty.
Many of them have been working closely with staff and patients at St Columba’s Hospice, and their stories subtly influence the work on display.
Here are some of my favourites.
Irena Narbutt’s superb ‘Resonance’ series felt like staring into the abyss and seeing nothing but a dark sandstorm (top-right). It lured me in and I couldn’t look away.
Neil Johnstone’s ‘Memory Fragment of Childhood’ is a digital print, and very creative. It’s like looking into someone’s memory using a futuristic technique. The use of ‘digital’ techniques can often be looked down on but Johnstone manages to find an affective tool that works for him. I found this piece to be powerful and creative but also dark … and that may not have been the point. It felt to me like a scene from a Nordic noir.
Valerie Leckie’s ‘Moon Rise’ is a simple yet effective blue scene. This etching reminded me of a drawing from an old book. I liked its quiet and calm scene, which provides a pleasant rest between some of the more challenging works.
Roberta Buchan’s ‘Wondering’ reminds me of a clear mind slowly becoming clouded. I like the contrast between the lush blue and the darkness.
Sonja Witt’s ‘Domestic (Blue)’ is my favourite work on display. It’s a sprawling mess (and I mean that in a good way) that uses the space to create a bizarre abstract collision of blue, black and white. I liked it very much indeed.—Rhys Fullerton
Time Is All Around continues at Edinburgh Printmakers (23 Union Street) until 23 December 2016. Admission free.