5 March 2009: Patriothall Gallery, Edinburgh, 28 March - 5 April 2009
‘Just as it is possible to see abstract qualities of surface and line in
Bassano or Raphael, isn't it just as valid to search for meaning or
narrative within abstraction? The painters in this exhibition wrestle
with the dichotomy between surface and subject. They find common ground
in the acknowledgement of modernism, whilst considering the ways to
deconstruct, taint or expose its apparent simplicity.'
From the ‘Strata' catalogue essay by Rosie Lesso
Strata is an exhibition of new paintings by contemporary artists Michael
Craik, James Lumsden, Andrew Mackenzie, Jo Milne and Sharon Quigley.
Each of the artists have developed unique practices and explore a
variety of issues in their work, yet there is a shared aesthetic common
to all five.
Rooted
in a pared down form of painting, there is an emphasis on the creation
of a highly crafted and multi layered surface. Geometry, repetition,
pattern and process are themes that intersect all five artist's work,
creating characteristics that draw each of the individual styles into a
coherent group.
Lumsden
constructs his paintings by applying layer upon layer of transparent
glazes of paint. Light permeates through the surface of the finished
works revealing the subtle processes and marks that have been built up
over time. While Lumsden gradually builds up the surface of his work,
Mackenzie's process is one of adding paint only to scrape it back
again. Complex layers are created using images of trees, offset against
man-made structures such as pylons. The surface is of equal importance
to Craik's work. Aluminium panels are etched with Arabic patterns
creating a subtle geometric relief onto which he applies smooth
monochrome colours. Barcelona-based Milne's paintings explore areas of
language or coded symbols such as DNA structures, jacquard loom cards
and Braille. These are dissected and rebuilt into intricate,
playful layered patterns. Quigley also creates elaborate patterned
surfaces with wax and resin, fusing elements such as cellular
structures, kimono designs and arabesque and 19th century engravings.
The
one-week launch exhibition at Patriothall Gallery will provide an
opportunity to view the show in Scotland before it goes on tour
internationally in 2010.
Exhibition Dates: 28 March - 5 April 2009
The exhibition will tour internationally during 2010.
The works on display in the exhibition are for sale.
A
full colour illustrated catalogue accompanies the exhibition with an
essay by Rosie Lesso. The exhibition and catalogue are supported by The
Hope Scott Trust.
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