Nine Artists: Exhibition No. 9

What does the number nine mean to you? Perhaps it makes you think of “The Nine”, the
nightly BBC Scotland current affairs programme. In Australia, you would think of it as a
media network, delivering news and entertainment. You may be of the generation that
remembers “Revolution No 9” and “Love Potion No 9”. These musical reference points
have been taken up by the Bridge Art Collective in their next exhibition, “Exhibition No. 9”,
which will open in the Old Bakehouse Gallery in Kyle of Lochalsh on Thursday 22nd August.
Environmental ideas have inspired many of the works. Susan Dawson concentrates on
the native woodlands of Coille Gaireallach just above High Pasture Cave near Torrin. She
explores ideas in mixed media and water-based oils. Aileen Grant's paintings depict the
Coille Mhor Oakwood – which is in the Balmacara Estate, only a stone's throw from the
Gallery – and native woodlands on the shores of Loch Hourn. Irene Blair goes further by
actually using wood - her Diptych features collaged driftwood which was pulled out of a
Loch. The wood looked as if it had been submerged for a very long time and she has
used this quality in creating the painting.
Sarah Longley is showing mostly ink and charcoal drawings. These range in scale from
small ink drawings of birds to a very large charcoal piece of her local environment. Rupert
Copping is also working in water-based paint, and explores the elusiveness of
watercolour to express the essence of the landscape around him.
Steve Hall's imaginative ceramic sculptures always have an underlying message of
sustainability, seeking to challenge viewers to reflect on their own impact on the survival
of the planet. This year there's a maritime theme and this chimes with Greg Dobson's
contribution portraying trout and mackerel in a fish-supper setting. The sheet metal used
by Greg has recycled elements in the mix.
Eating and consumption are also referenced in Simon Larson's photographs of fruit and
vegetables. His carefully lit compositions evoke a bygone age of abundance and the
transience of life, capturing the essence of nineteenth century Romanticism still-life
painting in all its lushness and vibrancy. How times have changed!
Work by Fiona Byrne-Sutton completes the show.
Perhaps “Exhibition No. 9” is neither a revolution nor a love potion, but the nine of us in the
Collective aim to produce original and thought-provoking art to please you. We hope you
enjoy the exhibition.
“Exhibition No 9” is at The Old Bakehouse Gallery, Station Road, Kyle of Lochalsh
IV40 8AE
It is open daily 10am to 5pm Thursday 22nd August to Sunday 1st September 2024
Late night event on Friday 23rd August, 5.30 to 8pm
www.thebridgeartcollective.co.uk
For more information, email us at thebridgeartcollective@outlook.com