EXHIBITIONS I ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE I SPECIAL PROJECTS I ARCHIVE
Exhibitions
Our exhibition programme focuses on connections with the human and material cultures and with the natural environment of the Gàidhealtachd. We encourage community engagement and a two-way exchange between visiting artists and the local community. A percentage of shows each year will be by island-based artists.
Exhibitions are a mix of open call and invited artists. Our exhibitions team meets to consider expressions of interest quarterly. If you would like to exhibit with us, please send a selected CV or biography, summary of relevant experience (in written or video form) and exhibition proposal to info@bragararnol.org.
Meinish: Textures of a Tidal Island
Rhea Banker
22nd March - 24th May 2025
Rhea Banker is a fine art photographer and award-winning book designer. After living and working in New York City for 30 years, she now makes her base in Northwestern Massachusetts. Much of her work is based on journeys to far rocky edges of the world, including Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, the Orkney Islands, Greenland, Svalbard, and Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego. Her abstract studies of patterns within the Earth’s ancient surfaces have been exhibited in a variety of museums, galleries, nature centers, and cultural centers, including locations in Edinburgh, Scotland; Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides; Greenland; Copenhagen, Denmark; New York City, USA; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Much of her work is based on ancient movements recorded within the Earth’s crust and maps of imagined lands. Her textural abstract images are her reflections of these movements, revealing her own attempts at understanding and sharing stories held within the landscape. ​Her most recent work is focused on explorations along Greenland's west coast over the last 8 years. The newest images are responses to the deep connections she experiences between stone, sea, and ice as we witness a new epoch in the life of our fragile planet. ​In addition, she has just finished a dialogue project with fellow artist Jane Rushton based on a coastal walk above the hills of Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast. It is currently on display at Resipole Studios, Acharacle, in Argyll.
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She has also done site-specific work and has created permanent installations for Stornoway Airport, Isle of Lewis; Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, Scotland; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Brooklyn, New York; and the University of Pennsylvania Berks Campus, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, Rhea received her BFA in Design and a BA in Art History. While there, she was the winner of the Evelyn Rumsey Lord Travel Fellowship. She has lectured undergraduates in Medieval Art History as well as in the History of Photography. She is currently based in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.
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Às an Duibhe
Open Studios Hebrides
Out of Darkness
14th January - 7th March 2025
Preview Saturday 11th January, 3 pm
Open Studios Hebrides is a community of over 50 artists and makers, all based in the Outer Hebrides. Each of our exhibitions allow our members to interpret the theme in their own personal way. In choosing ‘Às an Duibhe’ - ‘Out of Darkness’ as a theme we hoped to give space for a broad range of interpretations.
From some of the artists themselves about their response to Às an Duibhe:
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“The bleak and dark winters…” but “…how you can find the light and joy in every winter day.”
“The darkness of depression and the healing aspects of our environment…”
“...appearing from the shadows of winter and stepping partially into the light of the emerging spring.”
“...emotional turmoil and the glimpses of light experienced in these times”
“...a desire to process and understand the profound sense of despair that unavoidably accompanies an understanding of ecology.”
“...the weather and seasons shape the colours and shadows on the land, sea and sky”
“The impact of the sun's rays coming out of the darkness of night on our island…”
DK Macleod
Sunrise & Sunset
19th October 2024 - 3rd January 2025
Opening Saturday 19th October 5-7pm
Sunrise & Sunset: paintings by DK Macleod from Bragar. DK studied Art and Design at the University of the Highlands and Islands, North Uist campus in 2004. Since completing the course he has been largely self-taught and has spent the subsequent years developing his style, leading to a slow evolution as experimental brush work has given way to a more assured understanding of his tools and process.
DK’s biggest inspiration is the land, sky and cloudscapes of his native islands, which he interprets in his own unique way. He spends a lot of time at the beach photographing, sketching and capturing ideas to develop back in the studio where he works in acrylics and oils. His coastal landscapes explore colour and reflection with the resulting scenes appearing familiar yet otherworldly.
His new exhibition, 'Sunrise & Sunset', focuses on showcasing the diverse colours created by sunlight. By enhancing these colours and presenting his unique style of landscape painting, the exhibition explores how light impacts the land.​
weeds, wild oats & other stories
Magdalena Choluj
& the Nature Library by Christina Riley
17th August - 12th October 2024
Opening Saturday 12th August 5-7pm
'Weeds, wild oats & other stories' brings together two artists who dedicate most of their creative practice and research to the natural world. On this occasion they have shared a particular interest in the role and perception of plants - especially those which seem undervalued, or perhaps disregarded. Looking into their cultural significance, representation in art and literature, local traditions, past and present meanings, medicinal and culinary uses, the artists hope to bring light into the curious characters of the selected botanicals through simple forms of expression, like pen and ink, or words on paper.
This joint literary and visual reflection on nature, expressed through a collection of botanical drawings, creative research, and curated writing, aims to build a platform for thought and knowledge exchange. An invitation is offered to the viewer to look at the living species around us, common and 'weed' alike, with a fresh perspective.
Christina Riley is an artist and writer based on Scotland's west coast. Longlisted for Canongate's inaugural Nan Shepherd Prize for underrepresented voices in nature writing, she has recently been published by Gutter, Extra Teeth, Caught by the River and Little Toller's The Clearing and her photobook The Beach Today was published by Guillemot Press. In 2019 she started The Nature Library, bringing books about the natural world to public places across Scotland and in 2024 opened a permanent premises for the library in Irvine, Ayrshire. Through her carefully selected collection of books, she opens the whole world of nature writing and allows the viewer to explore it at their own leisure.
Magdalena Choluj is a botanical artist and printmaker, currently based in Ullapool. Having lived on Lewis almost a decade ago, she has a strong connection with the island landscape, and sees it as a 'home, away from home'. Magdalena works under the name of 'Inkloof' and creates pencil & ink botanical drawings, with plenty of experimentation around photography and various printmaking techniques, including monotype, linocut, and cyanotype. Research and discussion on the historical, medicinal and cultural background of the living species play a crucial role in her practice.
Magdalena is a member of the Society of Scottish Artists and Association Botanical Artists. Her botanical drawings and prints have been shown at the Pier Arts Centre, Northlight Gallery (Stromness, Orkney Islands), and most recently at the Browns Gallery- contemporary Scottish Art Gallery based in Inverness.
CAROLINE DEAR
String / Lines: unravelling the story of string, people, plants and place
18th June - 13th August 2024
Exhibition opening Saturday 15th June 4-6pm
STRING/LINES – Unravelling the story of String: people, plants and place explores aspects of string making through 50,000 years of history. The exhibition is the culmination of a year- long project by Skye artist Caroline Dear, who has worked with archaeologists, artists, organisations and local communities to explore the multiple meanings and hidden history of this seemingly mundane technology.
The exhibition brings together artefacts, stories, traditions and specially created artworks. These include a large floor piece inspired by ancient netting, an interpretation of a traditional seic or bag made from local rushes, and a contemporary ‘quipu’ – the ancient south American system of knotted cords used to communicate information. Also on show are examples of local plants used in rope and string-making, and the stories and myths associated with them. Language is an important element of the exhibition, with Gaelic words and sayings featured alongside specially commissioned poetry by Katharine Macfarlane.
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Caroline Dear said: “String is one of the fundamental technologies that has allowed humans to adapt and survive. But as well as this practical foundation it has mystical and magical properties, and is a powerful link to the landscape and plants around us. It has been a fascinating and enriching experience working with archaeologist Dr Karen Hardy to explore these many layers of meaning, and I would like to thank the many organisations and individuals who have collaborated with me on the journey. The works and texts in the exhibition explore some of these multi-layered ravelings and unravelings of string.”
The project was supported by Creative Scotland.
Project links -
https://carolinedearstring.blogspot.com
https://www.carolinedear.co.uk/exhibitions/string-lines
Highlife Highland - exhibition info
HAF talk 2021 - String, the first 50,000 years Caroline Dear and Dr. Karen Hardy
Open Studios Hebrides
Changing Islands
12th April - 8th June 2024
Opening Friday 12th April, 5.00 - 7.00 pm
Open Studios Hebrides is a voluntary organisation promoting artists and makers in the Outer Hebrides. We currently have 55 members from Lewis, Harris and Uist. This exhibition gives a taste of the range of wonderful work which is produced here in the islands. It is a glimpse of how the changes in the island environment over time are seen through the eyes of artists and interpreted in a wide range of media.
Tha sinn a’ cur fàilte oirbh a thighinn a choinneachadh ris an luchd-ealain.
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The exhibition launch will be on Friday 12th April from 5.00 - 7.00pm and we welcome you to come and meet the participating artists and find out about their work and involvement with OSH.
Seaweed Shelter
Jemima Hall
10th February - 4th April 2024
Exhibition opening 9th February 6-8pm
Artist Talk 10th February 3-5pm
Seaweed Shelter takes us into the ‘moons-land’ between land and sea of the Shiant Islands where Jemima Hall spent 33 days of winter in solitude. The ethnobotanical ruminations of seaweeds converse a story of human adaptation, imagination and survival.
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Jemima Hall studies the ancestral skills of the uses of seaweed in natural building techniques through experimental and experiential architecture, inspired by the material because of their changing textures and translucent qualities.
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With many thanks to Grinneabhat, Jon Macleod, Alex Hackett, Grace King, Tom Nicolson, Benji and James Morrison, Stewart
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www.jemimaelisabethhall.com @jemima.e.hall (Instagram) jemima.e.hall@gmail.com
Seaweed Shelter
Jemima Hall
10th February - 4th April 2024
Exhibition opening 9th February 6-8pm
Artist Talk 10th February 3-5pm
Seaweed Shelter takes us into the ‘moons-land’ between land and sea of the Shiant Islands where Jemima Hall spent 33 days of winter in solitude. The ethnobotanical ruminations of seaweeds converse a story of human adaptation, imagination and survival.
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Jemima Hall studies the ancestral skills of the uses of seaweed in natural building techniques through experimental and experiential architecture, inspired by the material because of their changing textures and translucent qualities.
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With many thanks to Grinneabhat, Jon Macleod, Alex Hackett, Grace King, Tom Nicolson, Benji and James Morrison, Stewart
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www.jemimaelisabethhall.com @jemima.e.hall (Instagram) jemima.e.hall@gmail.com
Dealbhan Tormod an t-Seòladair
Comann Eachdraidh an Taobh Siar &
Urras Coimhearsnachd Bhràdhagair & Àrnoil
9th December 2023 - mid January 2024
In December and early January Grinneabhat will be showing some of the photographs of Tormod an t-Seòladair, Dr Norman Morrison (1869-1949). Norman Morrison was a remarkable man: born and brought up in Shawbost, he was a zoologist, herpetologist, writer, photographer, folklorist and co-founder of the Scottish Police Federation.
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The photographs date from the early 20th century and show people in and around Shawbost. The glass plates were discovered in a barn in the village, and are now held in the collection of Comann Eachdraidh an Taobh Siar.
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More information on Norman Morrison can be found at tormodsite.wordpress.com
Ripple/Kare
24th November - 2nd December 2023
Beti Bricelj (Slovenia), Leon Patchett (UK), Kimmo Ylönen (Finland)
Ripple/Kare is a project creating contemporary visual art about and ultimately from water. The original core group -Caroline Dear (UK), Heli Konttinen (FI), Leon Patchett (UK) and Kimmo Ylönen (FI) was formed in 2016 after they finished a project using the common reed as a material for developing work for exhibition.
Since then, the group has gathered at residences to discuss, plan and experiment with different methods to tackle a subject of a truly global scale. In September 2017 Ripple/Kare stayed in the village of Norup, Assens, Denmark. In June 2017 the group visited Saari-residence, Mynämäki, Finland. In August 2018 the Finnish half of the group visited Stockholm, Sweden.
The artists worked in and around Grinneabhat during the month of November. The exhibition showcases the work they produced during this time. The residency was developed in partnership with An Lanntair.
For more information, visit our Artists in Residence page.
'Of Paint and Clay'
David Greenall & Sue Blair
2nd September - 28th October 2023
Sue Blair and David Greenall have lived and worked on Lewis since 1973 and 1990 respectively.
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“Of Paint and Clay” is a response to the geology, archaeology and dramatic landscape of the Outer Hebrides through the alchemy of ceramics and the medium of paint.
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'Peat Banks, Lewis' wax encaustic. David Greenall.
Sue Blair
Island Paintings.
Jonathan Smith
24th June 2023 - 15th August 2023
Jonathan Smith’s family connections with the Westside of Lewis go back for many generations.
Trained at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, his work is held in private and public collections in the UK, Europe, the US and the Far-East and has been shown by the RBA and RA. He has been drawing the villages and coastline of Lewis since 1974.
The works in this exhibition have been completed within the last year, and reflect a continuing interest in weather, light and the particular nature of the Lewis landscape.​
Website - www.jonathansmithart.co.uk
Instagram - www.instagram.com/1958jonathansmith
(w)ORD:EBBE+FLOW
13th May - 17th June 2023
EBBE+FLOW is an exchange exhibition, touring in its own wooden chest filled with artworks and images connecting Norway and Scotland. It grew out of a four-year collaborative project between nine artists based in Norway and Scotland: Marit Tunestveit Dyre, Rhona Fleming, Sarah Jost, David Lemm, Jon Macleod, Randi Annie Strand, Calum Wallis and co-curators David Faithfull and Imi Maufe.
EBBE+FLOW is a (w)ORD Residency project and captures the essence of the drifting cultural and nautical exchanges between two lands across the North Sea, both historically and today; the ebb and flow of tides, people and objects between Norway and Scotland, following the weather and the tidal streams, back and forth, from east to west and from west to east.
STRANDLINES
11th March - 6th May 2023
A group exhibition by members of Open Studios Hebrides, featuring photography, print, fine art, textiles & ceramics.
‘Fulmar's nest’ Ed Lewis
The strandline is where the waves softly push debris, shells, pebbles to the furthest point on the beach before retreating as the tide goes out. The contrast between dry and sea-soaked sand or shingle is a beachcombers paradise and the resulting ripples and contours are different with each tide. Artists and photographers may interpret this more loosely, focussing on the larger picture of stretches of beach, wading or scavenging birds, pebbles and rocks, plastic debris and driftwood or the incoming waves that create such unique interfaces between land and water.
Ralph Tonge
Ed Lewis
Mhairi Law
Emma Mackenzie
Philly Hare
Fiona Simes
Lesley Mackenzie
Jane G Smith
Carol Burgis
Ralph Tonge
Jane G. Smith
Carol Burgis
Philly Hare
SEASONS
An exhibition by members of the Catch 23 artists and writers group
17th January - 4th March 2023
The beckoning of birds to one another fills the spring sky as
they busily build their nests in the budding branches of the
treetops.
Summer sunlight filtered through foliage appears speckled
scattered on the path.
Overhead (srs, srs, srs, srs) the birds (pirruck, pirruck, pirrulck) sound
(chirruck, chirruck, chirruck, chirruck) cheerfully.
Autumn winds bring rusting leaves which crunch as I crush
them underfoot.
Excerpt from ‘Sense of Season’, Chris Matheson
‘Autumn Colours’, Sarah Loveridge
Seasons change, they never stay the same. An exhibition pairing artists’ and writers’ evocative and personal work exploring the collective theme of ‘seasons’.
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Western Isles Association for Mental Health (WIAMH) is a charity that works with adults experiencing mental health issues via its Catch 23 Support Services. As part of the weekly programme of activities they deliver they have thriving Artist & Writers’ Groups. The Arts Group is facilitated by local artist Ivor Mackay and the Writer’s Group is facilitated by local writer Spencer Woodcock. Both groups provide a safe, supportive space for people to explore their creativity regardless of previous experience.
ISLAND MOMENTS
1st November - 31st December 2022
An exhibition of work by artist and printmaker Gill Thompson
Gill lives on the Isle of Lewis and works from her studio overlooking the sea.
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She is inspired by the organic interface between the ocean and the rocks, cliffs and beaches. This constantly changes with the tides and is varied by the play of light as the days progress and the year turns. Gill aims to incorporate the patterns, movement and layered horizons in her printmaking.
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Much of her work is experimental, incorporating sand and found materials from the beaches to create her printing plates.
Gill prints using collagraph as her main method of work but also creates monoprint collages, building images with her hand-printed papers to reflect her love of the island colours, textures, moods and seasons.
A Bragar Arnol Timeline
Anne Campbell
July - early October 2022
Our summer 2022 exhibition looks at the archaeology of our villages using artefacts covering 6000 years of human occupation, combined with research into the history of the area from the time of the Norse occupation to the present day.
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Each person’s idea of a timeline is different – we encourage visitors to leave comments on what they would like to see included in a timeline of the area.
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‘These townships are very populous and would be difficult to clear, besides there would be no object gained as they are more suitable for small tenants than anything else.’ John Munro Mackenzie, estate factor, 19th February 1851.
Bho Bheul An Eòin.
From the Bird's Mouth
Derek Robertson
7th May - 2nd July 2022
A language holds its own traditions and treasures. In Scots Gaelic, the word dualchas encompasses the intimate bonds that exist between the natural world, the land and its people - connecting through language, tradition and culture from generation to generation. The Gaelic names of the animals and plants that inhabit that landscape are a part of that tradition and reflect aspects of these relationships.
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In recent times, a number of wildlife species have appeared in Scotland as our climate changes, or otherwise helped there by human agency, and some are so new to Scotland they don’t yet have a Gaelic name, which is something this exciting project is beginning to address.
From the Bird’s Mouth, Bho Bheul an Eòin, is naming the new. Through a process of research and consultation, with advice from scientists, researchers and Gaelic writers, the project gives Gaelic names to these colonisers, and tell their story through poetry and prose.
This exciting partnership project features award-winning and highly-acclaimed wildlife artist Derek Robertson, with support from NatureScot (formally Scottish Natural Heritage) and Bòrd na Gàidhlig. The project advisors are from a wide variety of agencies and the names created will be submitted to their database archives.
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The project will allow Scots Gaelic speakers and learners to give voice to the new nature around them and maintain Gaelic's rich, cultural link with the changing ecology of the landscape in which it is embedded.
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More information can be found on the project website at www.fromthebirdsmouth.com
Bigger than us. Rebecca Styles
5th March - 30th April 2022
Passage. Rebecca Styles
‘Bigger than us’ is a celebration in paint of the unstoppable, ever-changing nature of the sea and its almighty power to move us. The beautiful, brute reality of nature untamed in this part of the world, the majesty of the rolling ocean, its powerful winds: all the forces of nature create an environment in constant flux. These paintings define and share the shock, terror and grace, push and pull, that has the strength to move us so forcefully.
Rebecca Styles works from her studio in Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, where unique geology and dramatic vistas are a constant source of inspiration. Her paintings evoke a sense of the elemental and energetic whilst capturing the essence of human nature in its raw and poetic state.
‘My art practice has evolved to become a series of painted love letters between my emotional state and my surroundings. Constantly adapting and evolving. The landscape endlessly braves the onslaught. Surviving and sustaining in order to renew. Nothing wasted, just re-invented.’
insta - rebeccastylesart
website www.rebeccastyles.co.uk