Open Eye Gallery

The Capercaillie's Song

3 August – 2 September 2015

The Capercaillie’s Song reveals a personal view of the flamboyant journey as John Bellany’s lifelong muse and inspiration, brought to life through key works selected by Helen Bellany from the family collection. 

From when they first met at Edinburgh College of Art in 1962 and subsequently moved to London, Helen Bellany embarked upon a chaotic but overall exuberant life as John’s lifelong companion and muse. Aged only nineteen, she became immersed in the life of his friends and family background in Port Seton and Eyemouth, from which sprung the great outpouring of his creativity. The bond they shared throughout their tempestuous life, brought her as near as anyone could find themselves to the essence of his work.

This exhibition curated by Helen Bellany encompasses a vast span of John Bellany’s life’s work and includes The Capercaillie’s Song, an expression of the pure joie de vivre which was a major feature of their life together, but one that, in paint, was not often so vividly expressed. One of the largest works on show, A Long Night’s Journey into Day 1987, celebrates their remarriage after a breakup of more than a decade and speaks of the promise of all that might lie ahead. Further works illuminate personal moments within their family history that will be featured within Helen’s forthcoming autobiography.

The exhibition includes several works drawn from the Bellanys' private collection that have never been exhibited publicly before, and includes some of Bellany’s most powerful works. Amongst the selection are large-scale oils, early drawings from the 1960’s, as well as monochromatic prints and etchings.

A full colour catalogue of the exhibition will be available to purchase.

Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm

Sat, 10am-4pm

Open Eye Gallery

Weave

3 August – 2 September 2015

Ancient chain mail patterns provide constant inspiration for Joanne Thompson, whose work has been exhibited internationally across Europe and the USA. 

Experimenting with scale, weight, form and texture, Thompson combines complex structural patterns with dynamic movement, resulting in pieces that flow and stir with the body. They read both figuratively and as standalone constructs, each one a unique edition. 

Though industrial in appearance, Thompson begins with individual handcrafted silver components, approaching each piece with the potential for accidental experimentation, resulting in organic twists within each form. To commemorate her 20th anniversary as a maker, this showcase features new and ambitious work constructed specifically for Open Eye Gallery, including the introduction of gold and precious materials into the work. 

Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm

Sat, 10am-4pm