The Art Galleries were definitely a highlight of my recent trip to Edinburgh. I absolutely loved having a nosey around The Scottish National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. I got to saw the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, along with many modern artists, including many that were new to me. Here are some of the best bits...
One piece which I actively sought out was "Alan Cumming - Honey Jar" by Christian Hook, and I was not disappointed. Hook took part and won the 2014 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, and being an avid watcher of the TV show (and it's Landscape twin) made it a must-see. Not only do I love his cinematic, "glitchy" style, and the overall flamboyance of the piece, I really enjoyed the more subtle messages. The empty honey jar alongside him acts as a nod to Cummings own dog, Honey, who passed away the year prior to the portrait and the blue kilt represented his political standing at the time.
Hooks piece is part of "The Modern Portrait" exhibition which is being displayed until 27th October 2019. Other pieces which are included within this exhibit are "Three Oncologists" - Ken Currie and "Gavin Hasting" - David Mach. Both pieces are huge and steal all of the rooms attention. Currie's work is exquisitely painted, and manages to capture a luminosity that I can only dream of replicating. Whilst the creativity in Mach's collage of the rugby player is a fantastic way to incorporate the motion of the sport.
Another stand-out exhibition was "Impressionism & Post-Impressionism". On show until 28th February 2020. The whole room carries a pastel palette, which sings springtime, and really, how can you possibly not enjoy any work by Van Gogh? I hadn't heard of John Duncan before, but found his piece depicting angels carrying a bride to be eye-catchingly-colourful. I also really liked that he had made one of the clowns on the angels robe a self portrait.
It would be safe to say that I very much enjoyed my time in Edinburgh, I was in great company, in a gorgeous city (for real, Edinburgh is beautiful) and the art was top-notch. I honestly couldn't recommend a trip there yourself enough.
Thanks for reading!
KT x