Katherine Ka Yi Liu 廖加怡, absolute truth (from the beginning of Earth – present), yixing clay, plywood, rain water, leaves, sand from Hong Kong and 20 cents Hong Kong dollars. Courtesy of the artist.
HILLSIDE GALLERY
3 December 2022 –26 February 2023
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am—4pm
Collective are delighted to announce a new exhibition by artist-curator Katherine Ka Yi Liu 廖加怡 as part of the Satellites Programme.
neither the West nor the East can be a determinate location is a multisensory installation featuring text, handmade paper, found objects, scent, ceramic sculptures and silver casts.
To create this new series, Katherine has developed an engaged approach to archival research, in which they interrogate and challenge the Western, Eurocentric frameworks that have been imposed on Hong Kong (a British colony from 1841–1997).
This installation will be a space for reflection, encouraging visitors to reclaim strength and charge resilience.
Katherine Ka Yi Liu 廖加怡 is an artist-curator whose practice and research became witness to the political transformation in Hong Kong. Their work contemplates the construction of diasporic identities, and confronts the politics of power, gender(s), and race with a humorous touch.
Saturday 1 July to Sunday 29 October 2023 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
nms.ac.uk/littleblackdress
#BeyondLBD
A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will deconstruct the little black dress, examining the radical power of the colour black in fashion. From design classics to cutting-edge catwalk creations, Beyond the Little Black Dress (1 July to 29 October 2023) will bring together more than 60 striking looks from collections and designers around the world.
The colour black can be interpreted in many subtle and often contradictory ways. The exhibition will explore how its complexities have made the little black dress simultaneously expressive of piety and perversion, respect and rebellion; from the well-mannered cocktail attire of the early 20th century to the leather and latex worn by members of punk and fetish subcultures.
Beyond the Little BlackDress will open with a simple, short black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926. Considered radically modern, it disregarded convention entirely in both the stark design and sombre shade, that had traditionally been associated with mourning.
At the time it was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. The ‘little black dress’ became a wardrobe staple, a symbol of femininity and a byword for chic, with each new silhouette capturing the spirit of its time.
The little black dress remains a blank canvas for broader political and cultural shifts. It can challenge social norms around race, gender and sexuality to reflect evolving ideals of beauty and identity, proving its infinite capacity for reinvention.
Visitors to Beyond the Little Black Dress, which is sponsored by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers, will discover a century of fashion in a series of themed, immersive displays. Iconic early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Jean Muir will be juxtaposed with recent looks by ground-breaking contemporary designers and brands like Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White.
Areas of the exhibition will be dedicated to highlighting Black British designers whose work explores both Blackness in terms of identity, and the role the colour black plays in crafting a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. Elsewhere, the exhibition considers how perceptions of the colour black differ in a global context, as well as how the intervention of smart technologies are establishing a blueprint for a more sustainable future.
Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “Few garments are as iconic as the little black dress, which has often been held up by the fashion industry as the one piece every woman should have in her wardrobe.
“It has evolved dramatically in the century since its creation. From a simple shift dress which helped democratise women’s fashion to a bold political statement, it has moved through various iterations which reflect changing ideals of beauty and body image.
“Displaying classic couture, avant-garde pieces and garments that make a political statement, this exhibition will explore its enduring success, and ask why, in the fickle and fast-paced fashion world, the little black dress has achieved that rare status of being truly above the fray.”
Sam Pattman, Philanthropy Manager at Baillie Gifford Investment Managers said: “We are delighted that our successful relationship with National Museums Scotland continues with our support for Beyond the Little Black Dress.
“This exciting exhibition takes a fresh look at a timeless classic, examining how it has remained in style for nearly a century and displaying a dazzling selection of garments from those worn by royalty to truly avant-garde creations at the cutting edge of the fashion industry.”
National Museums Scotland’s internationally significant fashion and textiles collection comprises around 50,000 objects and is one of the largest in the UK.
The collection includes textiles dating back to the 14th century and clothing and accessories dating from the 16th century to the present day. Beyond the Little Black Dress follows the acclaimed exhibition Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk.
The exhibition is curated by Georgina Ripley, Principal Curator, Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland, Dr Sequoia Barnes, Guest Curator and Carys Wilkins, Assistant Curator Modern and Contemporary Design, National Museums Scotland.
It will be accompanied by a publication and programme of events.
Looking for something fun to do this autumn? Then make sure you head to the stylish Native Edinburgh where the inimitable Stew Bryden is set to host his debut solo showcase in the cool coffee and speakeasy Counter.
Launched on Thursday (3rd Nov) until the end of the year, this new creative collaboration will see ten striking pieces shot by Bryden – famed for fashion and celebrity portraits, and displayed in Counter by Native Edinburgh for all to enjoy.
Free to attend, the stunning exhibition launches the boutique hotel’s Artist in Residence series that seeks out programming to ignite creative imagination, with an ethos to create great places, with great people, in great areas.
At the Edge of Things is in homage to Virginia Woolf’s most experimental work, The Waves: an exploration of the trinity shared between individuality, the self and community.
An iridescent display of eclectic suits, sequin-adorned cocktail dresses and layered outerwear, the visual captures each look within its own habitat — far removed from each other and yet merged into one singular narrative.
As spoken word plucked straight from Woolf’s novel plays over a psychedelic harmony, the images and film flawlessly exudes the themes of its muse: portraying multiple stories merged into one, a unity between the self and other.
Much like fashion itself, the work(s) bear a compelling power that celebrates our limited time on earth.
Stewart Bryden gained his Hons Degree in Glasgow, Scotland before moving to New York City, working within the Chinatown based studio of world-renowned American photographer and artist Ryan Mcginley.
Now based between London, Berlin and Scotland, Stewart has gained commissions and continues to work with some of the world’s most up and coming and leading brands, publications and agencies. He’s shot for the likes of Fendi, Gucci, Max Mara, LV, and editorial clients include Wonderland, Man about town and Clash Magazine.
Olivia Immesi, Managing Director of Native Places , said:“Stewart is a true visual tastemaker and it’s such a pleasure to have him as our first Artist in Residence at Native Edinburgh.
“We’re excited to champion his work and host an exclusive celebration of creative photography here in Edinburgh.”
Stew Bryden, owner of Stewart Bryden said: “As a visual artist it’s always exciting to see your work exhibited, more so with this being my debut solo residency.
“These images and accompanying film were a true passion project and collaboration with some incredibly talented individuals, I’m very proud of the work and for Native places to approach me as their debut artist in residence is very exciting.”
Stewart Bryden’s At The Edge of Thingswill be on display in Counter at Native Edinburgh from Thursday, November 3rd until the end of the year. It’s free to attend and Counter is open seven days a week from 8am – 1am.
To enjoy a stay, book directly with Native aparthotels, by heading to:
Artists at Work 2: Exhibition celebrating talented colleagues at the National Galleries of Scotland
29 Oct 2022—12 Feb 2023 The Scottish National Portrait Gallery 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD| 0131 624 6200 |nationalgalleries.org| Admission Free
Artists at Work 2 showcases incredible artwork made by colleagues at the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) in a group exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
The exhibition celebrates the creative talents of over 100 colleagues working across the entire organisation and runs until February 2023. It is a celebration of the passion and skill of a team charged with caring for and sharing the national art collection for the world.
The exhibition displays a wide range of artistic disciplines; from paintings, drawings, illustration and photography to sculpture and jewellery making; all created by, amongst others, gallery attendants, conservators and retail team workers and follows on from the success of the first Artists at Work exhibition in 2018.
Artist at Work curators ran an open-call submission across the organisation earlier this year and were amazed at the response.
There are 121 artists exhibiting in the show with 157 works on display. Each artwork is supported with information labels that offer insight on the artist, their methods, process, and how their concept came about.
There was no prescriptive theme for the open call which allowed artists to choose art forms and concepts that are personal to their own artistic style and thematic objectives. Themes range from realism to surrealism, the natural world around us and some choose to celebrate topics such as gender and identity with their own personal inflections.
From self-portraits to local landscapes, photographic observations of lockdown life to interpretations of pop culture – Artists at Work 2 is a smorgasbord of artistic talent, colourful reflections, and thoughtful interpretations.
The curatorial team responsible for the exhibition are also exhibitors. The project leads were Darren Duddy and Victoria Gazeley with Aitor Moncho Tudanca (Visitor Assistant) and Silvia Baarlam (Gallery Attendant, Scottish National Portrait Gallery) working alongside them to coordinate the show.
NGS Gallery Shift Attendant, Victoria Gazeley who has co-curated and contributed to the exhibition, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
“The work on display represents the vast talents of National Galleries of Scotland colleagues and we’re delighted to offer a platform to spotlight this.
“Following on from the popularity of our first Artists at Work exhibition in 2018, we are looking to dazzle our audiences again in a gallery space that matches our growing ambitions. Many talented artists work across our organisation and this exhibition is a wonderful way to celebrate their creativity.”
Darren Duddy, Co-Curator and Conservation Technician at NGS, said: “A gallery is more than just a building and the artworks within. It is also about the people. This exhibition is a great opportunity to see what those of us who work, and volunteer here do in our free time.
“It is a difficult time for artists, and this is a great way for working artists to get their work seen in a national exhibition.”
The first Artists at Work exhibition was held in 2018 and excelled with 300,000 visitors seeing it.
We are delighted to be able to create another exhibition, this time moving from the Scottish National Gallery to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Photography Gallery where we have more designated space to display the fantastic works.
The exhibition is open to public from Sat 29 October in Gallery 13 (Robert Mapplethorpe Photography Gallery), Level 1 West, Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
One of Scotland’s most celebrated photographers Stew Bryden is set to host his debut solo showcase at lifestyle aparthotel, Native Edinburgh this November.
This new creative collaboration will see ten striking pieces shot by Bryden and displayed in Counter by Native Edinburgh, for all to enjoy. Running from Thursday, November 3rd, the exhibit is free to attend, and whilst there guests can discover their hidden coffee and cocktail speakeasy – Counter. The perfect backdrop for the stunning exhibition.
Bryden, who is known for his celebrity, fashion and portrait shots, will launch the boutique hotel’s Artist in Residence series that seeks out programming to ignite creative imagination, with an ethos to create great places, with great people, in great areas.
Native Aparthotels are spaces to entertain and be entertained and this new initiative is sure to impress with a ten piece collection that will be on display from Thursday, November 3rd until the end of the year.
At the Edge of Things is in homage to Virginia Woolf’s most experimental work, The Waves: an exploration of the trinity shared between individuality, the self and community.
An iridescent display of eclectic suits, sequin-adorned cocktail dresses and layered outerwear, the visual captures each look within its own habitat — far removed from each other and yet merged into one singular narrative.
As spoken word plucked straight from Woolf’s novel plays over a psychedelic harmony, the images and film flawlessly exudes the themes of its muse: portraying multiple stories merged into one, a unity between the self and other.
Much like fashion itself, the work(s) bear a compelling power that celebrates our limited time on earth.
Stewart Bryden gained his Hons Degree in Glasgow, Scotland before moving to New York City, working within the Chinatown based studio of world-renowned American photographer and artist Ryan Mcginley.
Now based between London, Berlin and Scotland, Stewart has gained commissions and continues to work with some of the world’s most up and coming and leading brands, publications and agencies. He’s shot for the likes of Fendi, Gucci, Max Mara, LV, and editorial clients include Wonderland, Man about town and Clash Magazine.
Olivia Immesi, Managing Director of Native Places, said:“Stewart is a true visual tastemaker and it’s such a pleasure to have him as our first Artist in Residence at Native Edinburgh.
“We’re excited to champion his work and host an exclusive celebration of creative photography here in Edinburgh.”
Stew Bryden, owner of Stewart Bryden said: “As a visual artist it’s always exciting to see your work exhibited, more so with this being my debut solo residency.
“These images and accompanying film were a true passion project and collaboration with some incredibly talented individuals, I’m very proud of the work and for Native places to approach me as their debut artist in residence is very exciting”
Stewart Bryden’s At The Edge of Thingswill be on display in Counter at Native Edinburgh from Thursday, November 3rd until the end of the year. It’s free to attend and Counter is open seven days a week from 8am – 1am.
RESPECT!, an exciting new exhibition, has opened at the Museum of Edinburgh.The exhibition is a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.
The exhibition explores what it is like to grow up in the Caribbean, what it means to be Caribbean, links with Scotland and how Caribbean food and music has influenced British culture. The items on display have been chosen by members of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association to share their stories with museum visitors. A Spotify playlist has also been created so visitors can enjoy a full range of Caribbean music.
The exhibition is part of a £250,000 community-led collections research project, Exchange, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in partnership with the National Museums Scotland and Royal Museums Greenwich. Exchange | National Museums Scotland (nms.ac.uk)
Cllr Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener at City of Edinburgh Council said: “Our Museum of Edinburgh celebrates the history of Edinburgh and all the communities who live in the city.
“This wonderful new exhibition has been a community led project, exploring the collections of our Museum of Childhood and the connections between Edinburgh and the Caribbean.
“Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a celebration of the culture of Caribbean Scottish people through museum objects, poetry and film and has been created in collaboration with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. I would like to thank the association members for their time, creativity and generosity.”
Lisa Williams, Edinburgh Caribbean Association said: “It’s been a wonderful experience collaborating with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh.
“We learned a lot from each other and forged friendship and understanding along the way.”
Curator Lyn Stevens, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with the Edinburgh Caribbean Association.
“The group have shared their knowledge and expertise generously with museum staff and the result is a fascinating insight into the many different Caribbean cultures and what it is like to live in Britain and maintain traditions and a sense of identity.
“I have learnt so much working with them and I am looking forward to our visitors enjoying this wonderful exhibition.”
Dr John Giblin, Keeper of Global Arts, Cultures and Design at National Museums Scotland: “Thanks to a generous grant from the AHRC, the Exchange project has allowed organisations around the UK to work with communities who have historically been marginalised in museum and gallery displays to explore experiences of empire, migration, and life in Britain through their collections.
“Many hundreds of people have come together over the past year to reveal and share a wider range of stories and perspectives, and Respect! Caribbean life in Edinburgh is the culmination of a rich, thoughtful and productive collaboration between a museum and a community group.”
Our Museum of Edinburgh and Museum of Childhood champion local Edinburgh history and Edinburgh communities. The City of Edinburgh council is working to diversify museum collections as part of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review. New acquisitions of dolls, books and magazines have been made as part of this project to add to the Museum of Childhood collections.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a Spotify playlist Respect! Caribbean Life in Edinburgh.
A wide-ranging events programme has been arranged alongside the exhibition.
Exhibition now on display at the Museum of Edinburgh
The Put Your Thinking Cap On Exhibition, a collaboration between youth Samba band Pulse of the Place and Ferryhill Primary School, is now on display at the Museum of Edinburgh.
Inspired by the drumming sessions hosted by Rohan Seilman at Ferryhill Primary School and spurned on by an invitation to perform in a music video for the Edinburgh Festival Carnival, the exhibition shows portraits of students wearing their ‘thinking caps’ that were used at the Pulse of the Place performance.
The headgear was designed and fashioned by students with guidance and oversight from teacher and art specialist Dr Anke-Beate Stahl. The materials used were papier mâché, paper, wire, straws, pipe cleaners, pompoms, and glue. This provided an opportunity for pupils to express themselves creatively and experiment with different designs.
Many more pupils performed for Pulse of the Place than those whose portraits are displayed at the exhibition and their contribution should also be recognised. The portraits were shot in the school dining hall with this being the first experience of its kind for many students.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener said: This exhibition represents an important addition to our collection of community-led displays and showcases the innovation and talent of our young people here in Edinburgh.
“I am sure this exhibition will be well-received by visitors to the Museum of Edinburgh. I would like to thank the pupils and teachers of Ferryhill Primary School and Pulse of the Place for undertaking this dynamic project, Councillor for Inverleith Ward, Hal Osler for her brokering and championing of this exhibition and to Museums & Galleries colleagues for their ongoing hard work.
Dr Anke-Beate Stahl, art specialist and teacher at Ferryhill Primary School said: “This exhibition highlights the creativity that our pupils can demonstrate when given the extra time, space, and specialist support.
“Connecting music and visual arts with the bonus of a public display is a great learning experience for the children.”
Inverleith councillor Hal Osler said: “I am so unbelievably proud of the pupils of @Ferryhill_PS who are presently appearing in an exhibition at the Museum of Edinburgh. Thanks to all involved – the exhibition looks fantastic and it’s well worth a view”
The exhibition runs until February 26, 2023 and is located in the community display area of the Museum of Edinburgh on the ground floor.
The National Museum of Scotland is calling for memories of famous artist and designer Bernat Klein ahead of a major exhibition of his work opening next month. Klein (1922 – 2014) was born in Yugoslavia (now Serbia) but settled in the Scottish Borders where he lived and worked for over 40 years.
Drawing inspiration from the landscape around Galashiels and collaborating closely with skilled Scottish manufacturers, Scotland and its textile industry were central to his success.
Curators hope to capture the stories of those who knew, worked with or admired Klein in his adopted homeland. From visiting his shops or producing fabrics, to wearing his spectacular pieces or completing a Klein knitting pattern, anyone who would like to share their story is encouraged to get in touch by email at info@nms.ac.uk with their memories and pictures.
In the centenary year of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour (5 Nov 2022 – 23 April 2023) will explore the life and varied career of one of the 20th century’s leading forces in Modernist design.
He is renowned for innovative couture textiles created for the likes of Chanel, Dior and Balmain, and his work was adored by royalty and fashion editors alike. He also produced fabrics for interiors, designed ready-to-wear collections and worked as a colour consultant and industrial designer.
Lisa Mason, Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said: “Bernat Klein’s philosophy influenced fashion, fine art, interior design, architecture and colour theory and continues to inspire artists and designers today.
“He chose Scotland to build not just his home, but his business, and we’d love to hear more from anyone who remembers his time here.”
Personal accounts will be collated by National Museums Scotland and may be shared on the Museums’ digital channels and social media accounts.
Bernat Klein: Design in Colour 5 November 2022 to 23 April 2023 National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh Admission: Free
Tickets for the Scottish premier of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder at the National Museum of Scotland go on sale tomorrow, 4 October 2022.
This ground-breaking new exhibition, which runs from 9 December 2022 to 1 May 2023, will explore the science behind the global hit television series Doctor Who and will give fans a chance to experience the Doctor’s adventures from a scientific perspective.
To celebrate tickets going on sale, the TARDIS materialised in the Grand Gallery at the National Museum of Scotland this morning. The TARDIS is just one of a host of real props from the series that will feature in the exhibition.
Visitors to Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will also come face to face with the Doctor’s most famous foes in the Monster Vault, including Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Daleks.
Produced by leading experiential design experts Sarner International under license from BBC Studios, this exhibition invites fans of all ages to explore the role science has played in the world’s longest running action-adventure show. The eight zones set within this educational exhibition cover a diverse selection of exciting scientific topics while drawing in content from across the full canon of Doctor Who.
A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features take visitors on a journey through Cosmic Curiosities, a TARDIS Tech room and the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible.
Actor, director and author Mark Gatiss – writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – will narrate the exhibition, guiding this journey through space and time.
Mark Gatiss said: “So many people who have gone on to work in science have had their interest piqued by watching Doctor Who, and one of the amazing things about the show is its ability to make us wonder.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the exhibition and I do hope as many curiously minded people as possible take the opportunity to visit when it arrives at the National Museum of Scotland.”
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will offer a thrilling exploration of science for both established fans of the TV show and newcomers alike. The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, where it will run until 30 October.
Alison Cromarty, Head of Exhibitions & Design at National Museums Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for this cutting-edge scientific exhibition.
“We know visitors of all ages will be keen to be among the first in Scotland to experience Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder and are tremendously excited that the countdown is now on to opening in December.”
Ed Cookson, Projects Director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.
“The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”
Doctor Who has strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots have played the role of The Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi (the Seventh, Tenth and Twelfth Doctors respectively) with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced as the new Doctor.
Other Scottish cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI & I. Another Scot, Steven Moffat, was showrunner from 2008 to 2017.
The National Museum of Scotland is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery in mounting the exhibition. Tickets for Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will be available to book at www.nms.ac.uk/doctorwho
National Museums Scotland Members free.
Book in advance to save, general admission: Adult £12-16.50, Over 60s £11-15.50, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot £10-14.50, Child 5–15 £8-12.50, Under 5s Free
10% off family bookings*
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more
*10% off when you buy up to three Child 5–15 ticket alongside up to any two Adult, Over 60s, Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot tickets, with a maximum of five tickets in total. Cannot be used in conjunction with National Museums Scotland Member tickets or any other discount or promotional offer.
A group of blind and partially sighted artists will be showcasing their work at Edinburgh’s Central Library next month[3rd – 31st October].
‘Over and Under the Sea’ will be an exhibition of sea-themed art works created by The Hillside Visually Impaired Art Group. The artists are all members of classes held by volunteers from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland at its Edinburgh headquarters.
The group has come together to create a series of sea inspired panels, and sculptures of sea creatures ranging from a terrifying piranha to a stocky starfish. The remainder of the exhibition consists of a diversity of individual works created by the members. Some of the artists paint in acrylic, and others model in clay, using a variety of textured, and hence tactile, materials.
“The exhibition was originally booked to run in 2020 but was postponed for two years,” says Andy Richie, one of the art group volunteers. “When the group was able to meet again, there were quite a few members whose sight condition had deteriorated significantly, but they were all undaunted.
“We have spent the last 12 months helping them learn new techniques and developing new styles. Many were working right up to the last of our art sessions but we are able to say that all 12 artists will have at least one piece displayed in the exhibition.”
The exhibition will be hosted in the Art & Design library within Central Library on George IV Bridge from Monday 3rd October to Monday 31st October. The opening hours are:
