The RSA Annual Exhibition is a focal point of the Royal Scottish Academy’s programme, showcasing work from RSA Academicians the length and breadth of Scotland. Now in its 188th year, it continues to provide a platform for contemporary paintings, sculpture, film, printmaking, photography and installation alongside work by some of the country’s leading architects.
This year’s convenors, Ronald Forbes RSA and Charles Hussey RSA (Elect) have curated a themed aspect within this major exhibition entitled Focus on Film – a survey of Scottish art involving the moving image. The exhibition will showcase Academicians whose practice currently utilises film, established filmmakers past and present and emerging film artists, some who have come through the RSA New Contemporaries and other RSA programmes. There are nine curatorial themes exploring varied approaches to creativity in filmmaking, which include a range of documentary works about RSA Members.
Invited artists include two previous winners of the Glasgow Margaret Tait Award: Stephen Sutcliffe (2012) and Rachel Maclean (2013). Maclean was recently placed at no.9 on The List’s ‘Hot 100’ issue (to “honour the best and brightest in Scottish arts and culture”) and Sutcliffe’s recent piece ‘Outwork’ was the subject of a major exhibition at Glasgow Tramway last year. As a survey exhibition, works by the late Margaret Tait will be featured, along with other established artists working in film such as John Byrne and Daziel + Scullion.
Works by recent RSA award winners will be exhibited, including new work by Oliver Mezger, the recipient of the 2013 RSA Morton Award for Lens-based work. Additionally, there will be a small survey of the Morton Award, looking at previous recipients including Alexander & Susan Maris and Paul Rooney. There will be memorial works for Anthony Wheeler PPRSA, John Bellany HRSA and Keith Rand RSA.
Many works will be available for purchase and the RSA is part of the Own Art scheme, offering interest-free credit for people to buy contemporary art. For further details visit www.ownart.org.uk.
RSA Annual Exhibition runs until 4 May, The Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL. For further information about the RSA visit www.royalscottishacademy.org.
Credits
1. Highland Retreat—Graeme Massie Architects.
