Limousine Bull (Aberdeen) 16 September – 1 October
Generator Projects (Dundee) 7 October – 22 October
Market (Glasgow) 28 October – 12 November
“On 27th May 1826, a meeting was held of the artists in Edinburgh…having been totally excluded as much from the administration of exhibitions – selecting, hanging, and so – as they were from glittering social Receptions…they met in 1826, in rebellion.” * And thus was formed the Scottish Academy, later to become the Royal Scottish Academy – Scotland’s oldest and most established artist collective! Formed by artists to work for the benefit of artists. After 180 years, the RSA continues to develop and create opportunities across Scotland for artists through scholarships, residencies and exhibitions such as SCOTTISH COLLECTIVE.
Artist’s collectives in Scotland continue to form an important and vibrant part of visual art culture. Originally formulated by groups of artists (predominantly recent graduates) to exhibit and promote their work out with the gallery system, they have become a driving force in the energy of contemporary art. These collectives range from groups of ‘young turks’ sourcing innovative temporary spaces to exhibit and sell work, through to the long-established committees with their own galleries, volunteers and staff. The force powering all of these groups is the ‘do it yourself’ attitude, bypassing the traditional gallery system of institutions and dealers to present thought-provoking and often uncompromising new works.
And so, it is to a selection of these collectives that we now turn. Divided into three short exhibitions, each show will be curated and present a selection of works by the respective artists collective.
* Quote: ‘The Making of the Royal Scottish Academy’ by Esme Gordon, published by the RSA, 1976
