The Beautiful Game:
The global nickname for association football (soccer), was popularized by Brazilian superstar Pelé, quickly adopted by TV commentators. It evokes a sense of artistry, skill and, like a dance performance, reflects the choreographed, graceful beauty of football, a shared joyful experience for players and fans alike.
The phrase also refers to the Portuguese term "o jogo bonito" (beautiful game) and the Brazilian concept of futebol-arte (Art Football).
Futebol-arte is the perfect sentiment for Davy Macdonald to commemorate the creation of two Football Clubs in Edinburgh with a dazzling and dynamic art exhibition. Hearts FC was formed in 1874, its name influenced by Walter Scott's novel ‘The Heart of Midlothian’, the maroon and white coat of arms crest based on the Heart mosaic on the Royal Mile. Hibernian FC (Hibs) was formed on August 6th 1875 by a group of Irish men who had emigrated to Scotland to escape the Irish potato famine, adopting the colour green and Celtic Harp as the motif for the Club.
“Dyed in the Wool refers to the traditional process of dyeing raw wool before it’s spun into yarn. The colour becomes permanent, deeply ingrained and unchangeable. The phrase also means to be an ardent supporter of something, a personal belief engrained in your soul – religious faith, music or sport. Here’s it’s an apt metaphor for the lifelong, unwavering devotion of Hearts – Jambos - and Hibernian - Hibbies - supporters to celebrate their 150th anniversary of the two Edinburgh clubs.
‘Being a fan isn’t just a choice, it becomes part of who you are; roots, tradition and community, endemically woven into your identity. Whether you are a “dyed in the wool Jambo” or a “dyed in the wool Hibby,” this rivalry has helped shape Edinburgh’s communities, friendships and family traditions for 150 years.’ Davy Macdonald
Here are stunning portraits and jazzy abstract designs capturing the city’s football loyalties through their distinct maroon and green colours. In two figurative landscapes, a young girl, her neck wrapped in a Hibby or Jambo football scarf, stands on a Hebridean hillside clutching a bundle of yarn, subtly reflecting the time shift of Harris wool spinners of 1875 to the present day. (see image above, Dyed in the Wool, Jambo)
A piece of conceptual art consisting of a fresh banana duct-taped to a wall, titled ‘Comedian’ sold for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in late 2024. The buyer, Justin Sun, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur purchased the art piece as a work of art rather than a piece of fruit. As a witty response, Davy has created a playful sculptured artwork featuring a packet of Jam Tarts and a Cabbage referring to the rhyming slang names for Hearts and Hibs. Like the $6.2 million banana, these are duck-taped to the canvas board and the work is to be sold to assist both Clubs’ charity ventures.
For Dyed in the Wool Hibs and Hearts fans, their loyalty is expressed in their distinctive green or maroon and white scarves, as cleverly presented in Mondrian- style grid patterns. Note that as well as the classic Club colours, fashionable Barbie pink is beloved by women and girls. With the women’s England Football squad – the mighty Lionesses - now leading the field at the Euros, this is clearly no longer a masculine, macho sport.
Around the gallery is also a selection of Davy Macdonald’s iconic and enchanting portraits and figurative scenes from his various Heritage series from the past years celebrating culture, sport and local communities: Herring Lassies, Old Course, St. Andrews and the Harris Tweed weavers, depicted in the charming painting of the craftswomen, Spinning the Yarn.
This exhibition of figurative, conceptual and abstract paintings showcases Macdonald’s trademark artistic style of capturing the heart (no pun intended) of Scottish life, stories and cultural heritage.
While there is friendly banter and rivalry, the inclusive nature of football has the power to unite and uplift people. Whether you are a Jambo, Hibby or other Club fanatic - or indeed have never been to a match, - do visit the Dundas Street Gallery to see this inspirational show celebrating Futebol-arte – the beautiful art of the game of football - (and a range of other artwork).
Showtimes:
16 – 25 August 2025 – 10am – 6pm daily
Free entry.
For more information and images.