VisualArt HITLIST THE BEST EXHIBITIONS
Kurt Jackson: The Catacol Series Paintings of Arran from the acclaimed landscape artist, exhibiting at the Dovecot this month. See Artbeat, right. Dovecot Gallery, Edinburgh, until Sat 28 Apr.
Blind Plotting Group show of work by Glasgow School of Art graduates, including Alice Steffan (pictured), which takes the form of a stage set littered with props. See Art Showcase on inside back cover. Arches, Glasgow, Sat 28 Apr–Mon 7 May. Pio Abad: Dazzler Glasgow International continues with this exhibition exploring the links between militarism, fetishism and the disco subculture. See review at list.co.uk. The Duchy Gallery, Glasgow, until Sat 19 May.
Emory Douglas: Seize the Time Lithograph posters from the American artist, activist and one-time minister of culture for the Black Panthers. See review, page 119. Kendall Koppe Gallery, Glasgow, until Fri 1 Jun. Karla Black at GoMA Major new sculptures from the renowned artist, whose work appeared on last year’s Turner Prize shortlist. See review, page 119. Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, until Sun 24 Jun.
Richard Wright Selection of works on paper from the Turner-winning artist, gathered from collections across the globe. Reviewed next issue. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, until Sun 24 Jun.
Jeremy Deller: Sacrilege The London-based artist known for his experiential work presents a life-size inflatable Stonehenge as part of Glasgow International. See review, page 120. Glasgow Green, until Mon 7 May.
Scott Myles: This Production The first major solo show from Dundee artist Myles features work inspired by his time spent as a teenage skateboarder. Reviewed next issue. Dundee Contemporary Arts, until Sun 10 Jun.
Wolfgang Tillmans The first solo exhibition in Scotland in 16 years from the award-winning German photographer, which includes works new and old. See review, page 119. The Common Guild, Glasgow, until Sat 23 Jun.
Callum Innes: Works on Paper 1989-2012 The Edinburgh-based artist, known for his oil paintings, showcases two decades’ worth of works on paper. Reviewed next issue. Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh, Sat 28 Apr–Sat 14 Jul.
118 THE LIST 26 Apr–24 May 2012
list.co.uk/visualart
ARTBeat KURT JACKSON
What was the first exhibition you went to see? There was one in 1985 at the Tate in London, St Ives 1939-64, which made a big impact and led to my move from north to west Cornwall.
What was your first paid job as an artist? My first exhibition that sold was when I was 18. My early years were spent prioritising my work so that although I did odd jobs, I relied on the occasional sales that happened – I see it as a ten-year rural ‘apprenticeship’. What kind of music do you listen to while you’re working? When working indoors my choices of music are very eclectic – world, folk, contemporary, reggae, opera. At the moment I’m enjoying Bonnie Prince Billy, Arab Strap, Sinéad, Amadou & Mariam, Ethiopiques.
What are the best things about opening nights? It’s obviously great when you first see your new work on a big, clean white walled space for the first time. You look at the work with fresh eyes and reappraise it.
Do you read reviews of your work? Normally yes, sometimes with bated breath.
Which living artist should be better known than they currently are? Maybe Miquel Barceló – European artists often seem to be ignored over here. What has been your career highlight to date? I was made an honorary fellow of St Peter’s College, Oxford and the University of Exeter awarded me an honorary doctorate, both out of the blue and both for services to the arts. And the BBC made a documentary about me and my work, which I was delighted with.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Be patient, be ambitious, prioritise your work, just get on with it; do your own thing, don’t be influenced by trend or fashion. ■ Kurt Jackson: The Catacol Series, Dovecot Gallery, Edinburgh, Wed 18–Sat 28 Apr.