VisualArt HITLIST THE BEST EXHIBITIONS
Allan Sekula: Ship of Fools Allan Sekula’s major photographic essay charting the voyage of the Global Mariner with its onboard touring exhibition, provides the perfect visual metaphor for the perils of global capitalism. See review, page 120. Stills Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sun 18 Mar.
Alex Dordoy Alex Dordoy’s new body of work mixes the abstract and the real in a search for new means of perception. See review, page 120. The Modern Institute, Glasgow, until Wed 22 Feb.
The Sculpture Show A potted glimpse at the history of 20th century sculpture and beyond. See review, page 120. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, Edinburgh, until Sun 24 Jun. Roger Ackling The veteran British artist brings his well-honed practice to bear on items from his garden shed. See Artbeat, right. Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 4 Feb–Sat 21 Apr.
A useful-looking useless object Young artists Johann Arens and Shelly Nadashi come together with established names Emily Wardill and Jennifer West for this group show. Sierra Metro, Edinburgh, Sun 5–Sun 26 Feb. Construct Barbara Kasten, Alan Michael, Daniel Sinsel and Ricky Swallow explore ideas of construction and reproduction in this group exhibition. Reviewed next issue. Mary Mary, Glasgow, Sat 11 Feb–Sat 24 Mar.
Anna Barriball Bold and playful sculptures showcasing the Plymouth-born artist’s practice in a taut and enjoyable show. See review, page 120. Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, until Mon 9 Apr.
What Presence! The Rock Photography of Harry Papadopoulos Retrospective of work by the Scot who snapped numerous post-punk icons. Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow, until Sat 25 Feb.
Alasdair Gray: City Recorder Excellent collection of works on paper chronicling Glasgow life, from 1977, when Gray was ‘artist recorder’ for the city. Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Mon 13 Aug.
Scarecrows & Lighthouses Images and recordings chronicling the collaborations of artist Martin Boyce, musician Raymond Macdonald and director David Mackenzie. Tramway, Glasgow, Thu 9–Sat 11 Feb.
list.co.uk/visualart
ARTBeat ROGER ACKLING
What was the first exhibition you went to see? Something at the Wallace Collection, London. Maybe Brueghel.
What was your first paid job as an artist? Part time teaching at Wimbledon School of Art.
What kind of music do you listen to while you’re working? Birdsong.
What are the best things about opening nights? Seeing friends. A glass of wine.
Do you read reviews of your work? Yes.
Which living artist should be better known than they currently are? David Blackaller.
What has been your career highlight to date? Making the work quietly by myself across the surface of the earth.
What is your favourite work of art? Anything by Enku (17th century Japanese Buddhist monk and sculptor).
What advice would you give to your younger self? Keep going, take it easy, but take it.
■ Roger Ackling, Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 4 Feb–Sat 21 Apr.
Check out the GreatOffers on page 8 2 Feb–1 Mar 2012 THE LIST 119
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