This is a most valuable and inspiring retrospective which illustrates how artist Jamie Primrose has captured a changing sense of place on travels at home and abroad over the past ten years.
For those of us who did not visit his inaugural exhibition at the Traverse theatre Gallery, (2003), it is wonderful to have the chance to see a selection of these early paintings. As a Fine Art graduate, Jamie (with his wife Mari) travelled extensively, visiting French Polynesia, Australia and South America. It was during an adventurous trip touring around Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, and on to Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the colourful landscapes were a magical influence on his work.
This Retrospective begins with a powerful painting, Tierra de La Luz (Costa Rica, 2003), a canvas of shimmering blues, indigo and tangerine, along the lines of pure abstract expressionism. Reminiscent of the bold block palette of Mark Rothko, the depiction of a distant horizon over the sea at sunset is simply beautiful. Similar contrasting shades of purple and peach combine in a Mexican seascape, entitled Ocean Sunset.
A fine collection of Central and South American paintings are on show, featuring small square landscapes neatly set in box frames and stunning images of the famous Iguacu Waterfalls, Argentina. One is certainly taken on a journey around these Latin America countries to experience rolling hills, remote valleys and overall the equatorial light and heat.
Wander around the Gallery, travelling on to Venice with a series of moody canal views, and morning mist in London along the Thames. East Lothian is a favourite location for Primrose who is at his best when illustrating the broad sandy shore and Bass Rock as seen from Tyninghame Beach, near North Berwick.
In summer 2012, Jamie and his family visited the south of France – the Cote d’Azur – where for generations of artists, from Picasso and Peploe to Primrose, the Tiffany-blue sea and soft light has been a constant attraction.
This exhibition is a sheer delight: it is fascinating to observe the gradually shifting style of artistry, from tropical skies at dawn, moving on to precise monochrome architectural studies of city street scenes.
“ It’s all about light, wherever you are. I thank you for seeing it for me.”
Dundas Street Gallery visitor, June, 2013.
Ethereal Journey by Jamie Primrose: Dundas Street Gallery, 14 – 22 June, 2013.
This is the first of two special exhibitions to celebrate his 10th Anniversary. Edinburgh though the seasons will be the focus of the next major show, “Reflections on a City”, from 8 – 16 November, 2013, at Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh.