Eden Court Theatre, until 29 November 2008

Michael Stuart Green - Judgement Suspended 1 (courtesy of the artist)

HIGHLAND OPEN STUDIOS (HOS) is an important artistic resource in the region with 106 artists, makers, studio and gallery members throughout the Highlands and Islands. The collective produce an annual directory, provide informal contact between artists and the public through their annual Open Studio trail, and have established a network of communication between professional and semi professional artists in the area.

This latest exhibition by the group occupying three levels of Eden Court Theatre varies enormously in terms of content, media and quality. There is certainly quantity of work on display, but this does not always equate to quality. Work on a professional level does not always sit easily against more recreational practice. There are, however, many highlights in the show which I’m sure will be enjoyed by Eden Court audiences.

Christina Callum MacInally’s ‘Fleeting Memory of Blossom – Kelvingrove’ (Oil On Canvas) is a vibrant and dynamic composition in acidic green, vivid ultramarine, Alizarin, pink and orange. The elliptical movement of the design is echoed in the smallest elements in the work; the leaves through to the broad curve of the lawn.

The energy and colour in this piece reminded me a great deal of Franz Marc coupled with the integrated organic designs of the Glasgow Boys and Girls. The image isn’t overworked. It retains the freshness and immediacy of a drawing or sketch combined with strong colour and consistency of design throughout the composition.

Frances Baxter’s mixed media work ‘Fuschia’ presents a striking arrangement of grey/blue, alizarin, black and white in a style clearly influenced by Mackintosh. Use of mixed media creates interesting textures in this work, and a balance of design which is less evident in the accompanying work ‘Red Candles’. Although ‘Red Candles’ is not as well finished, Baxter’s work shows promise and it will be interesting to see how these compositions develop in future shows.

Lochcarron based artist Michael Stuart Green, the UK’s sole representative this month at the 13th annual 30 Dies Interncional printmaking exhibition near Barcelona, has a number of works on show, including ‘Judgement Suspended 1′ (Linocut and Digital Print). His layering of traditional printmaking and technology is beautifully crafted, always retaining a sense of the human mark. This work is no exception, with the flame-like glow of red and orange illuminating the dark tonal interior. An idea suspended in an architectural space, this is a fascinating multilayered piece of work both technically and spiritually.

James Adams acrylic and pencil drawings on paper display a wonderfully naïve and immediate response to environment. ‘They Build a Windfarm There’ and ‘Tender Boat’ are excellent examples. The delicate texture of the paper and division of positive and negative space create well balanced compositions of child-like simplicity. There is a sense of vulnerability and energy in these drawings which is refreshing and affecting on an emotional level. As drawings they are pared down but this stark quality, together with their naivety, work extremely well together, a union of innocence and experience.

Another highlight of the exhibition are works in ceramic and bronze by Daniel Kavanagh. An artist who is constantly reinventing form, his two small vessels with bronze handles are fine examples of innovation and craftsmanship. The form of these vessels is both ancient and strikingly contemporary, the addition of bronze wing-like handles reminiscent of oriental design.

The delicate seals on both pieces, strong robust form and high contrast of black and white are beautifully balanced. Texture and lustre are also finely tuned in the object as a whole, and there is a delightful interplay between the matt, gold and crackle glazed surfaces in each piece. Though modest in scale they exhibit a timeless, sculptural quality and integrity both in the handling of material and in design.

Overall there are some exceptional pieces of professional work on display alongside clearly recreational work, and while this open approach is inclusive, a selected show might have made a much stronger statement. There are significant benefits in an open show format, especially to artists wishing to improve their skills. However, this approach alone in an organisation arguably does little to raise the bar and assist professional artists.

Where cultural infrastructure and professional context is lacking in a region such as ours the distinction between professional and hobbyist work becomes blurred. There are all kinds of issues which arise from the simultaneous promotion of both types of work in relation to the local art market, the price and perceived value of work and the perception of quality craftsmanship.

As a celebration of broad creative activity in the area, Open shows are fantastic and I am the first to applaud them. However, on their own they do not present a showcase of the best work the region has to offer. Perhaps it is time for HOS to make a bolder statement alongside its Open Shows, by way of a curated show selected by a panel, or by asking artists to submit work in response to a brief.

This approach often encourages artists to stretch themselves creatively and technically, which is of benefit to both professional and amateur alike. Either way, selection is an issue that all artists’ organisations or collectives have to negotiate in order to support and raise awareness of the best creative work the region has to offer and to provide professional leadership. Avoidance of this issue does the overall promotion of Visual Art in the region no favours in the long term, promoting mediocrity instead of excellence.

All of that said, exhibiting the art of professionals with that of less experienced artists provides an opportunity for improvement, encouragement and context for people in the process of learning their craft. It may also inspire and encourage people visiting the building or attending performances to begin to explore their own creativity, which is an equally positive outcome.

There are a wide range of media represented in the exhibition including, painting, drawing, original printmaking, glass, ceramics and jewellery and an equally wide range of ability. Both the venue and HOS as an organisation need to balance inclusion and selection as part of an overall strategy. It is important to look at what is actually being promoted in relation to Visual Art in the region and how professional practice can be better represented.

© Georgina Coburn, 2008

Links

• Highland Open Studios
• Eden Court Theatre