Chun An Lar (Into The West): Paintings By Donald Ferguson

6 Sep 2006 in Outer Hebrides, Visual Arts & Crafts

Kishmul Castle until 30 August 2006 / Taigh Chearsabagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist, 7-27 October 2006

Sollas Heabhal by Donald Ferguson

A SHORT FERRY ride from Castlebay, Kishmul Castle provided a truly unique setting for Donald Ferguson’s first solo exhibition Chun an lar (Into The West), which will transfer to Taigh Chearsabagh in October.

Standing within the castle walls listening to the wind howling through stone was the perfect setting for this exhibition. Presented in a space where nature clearly reigns, you can see the effects of fern growth through the walls and water penetrating stonework. Nature and her elements, the effect of light and landscape, are inspirations for this distinctive series of acrylic works on paper.

There are many painters of Hebridean landscape, but Ferguson’s interpretive works invite more than just a casual glance. They are concerned with paint quality, movement and a spirit of place that is as unique as the artist’s handling of materials.

Characterised by expressive mark-making using found materials and the immediacy of direct response to the environment, the artist successfully creates a body of work universal in its contemplative appeal. These paintings make the viewer consider the fragility of the island environment and our own relationship to nature.

It is wonderful to see the movement and energy of marks made by the artist so much in evidence in these large gestural paintings. This method reveals much more than the scene we see with our eyes. What I loved about this exhibition was the artist’s ability not just to make the viewer see the local landscape but to feel its raw power, beauty, subtlety and scale.

The exhibition is an excellent example of how art can add depth to our experience of a particular site or environment

‘Caisteal Chiosmul’ is a beautiful example. A view of Kishmul itself in December, the composition is dominated by splashes of grey, the white sweep of wind, sea, rock and sky. The shape of a boat moves shadily in and out of view outlined roughly in blue. The rock in the foreground feels like the only anchor we have to cling to in the face of the elements. This painting adds to the whole experience of being directly on the castle site.

‘Tràigh Scurribhal – Fùdaigh’ is a stunning example of the expanse of the local landscape with gestural waves and tidal marks affecting the great sweep of sandy shore. There is strength and fragility in this image that seems very much a part of Island life.

“Tràigh Siar” is almost abstract in its treatment of blocks of colour and tone which conveys the golden grey shore under a span of low cloud at Hougharry, North Uist. This more minimal approach is appealing to the mind’s eye and is beautifully atmospheric.

‘Dùn Scribhal’ depicts the strength and defiance of the headland, protecting croftland against wind, water and storm. Cobalt blue and ochre, blackened low sky and a sea white with rage are the life and movement within this work.

‘Solas Heabhal’ an expansive view of Vatersay, Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay, stretching seductively away into the distance in shades of turquoise blue. The glint of gold upon the sea, the richness of colour and shifting light leads the eye into the core of West Coast landscape.

The exhibition is an excellent example of how art can add depth to our experience of a particular site or environment. I hope that this first exhibition at Kishmul Castle on Barra will be one of many, and I look forward to Donald Ferguson’s next solo show.