The Open Eye Gallery — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

Linda Farquharson’s stunning new collection of linocut prints takes inspiration from Celtic mythology and from John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost; whilst drawing on the artist’s deep connection to landscape and her love of nature.

Richly textured in colour, tone and mood, the pieces are striking and animated. ‘Song of the Goddess’ features Blodeuwedd, a goddess from Welsh mythology who was made of flowers. The forest in which she lies is depicted on her body, covered in an intricate black-and-white floral pattern. A unicorn and a deer, which also seem to wear the landscape, look over her sleeping form. The black-and white in this image, as in others, is offset by a splash of red; in this case on the goddess’ lips. There are elements of the Oriental here, in Blodeuwedd’s finely ornamented eyelids and the swirls above her brow, reminiscent of the henna painting used for Indian brides.

The works show Farquharson’s characteristic playfulness and sense of joy in her encounters with nature: the animals and humans breathe life. Their poised stillness captures a moment. In ‘Temptation’, Eve is about to take that fateful bite of the forbidden fruit, as the serpent looks on. ‘Paradise Lost’ shows Adam forlorn at being driven out of the Garden of Eden. But Eve appears indifferent, almost happy as she rests her folded arms above her head. The abundance of loss is made clear by the swirl of fish beneath a bird-filled sky, the tree black and drained of colour. In the foreground, the two beings stand upon a black void on the edge of paradise.

The flower-pot prints, taking still-life to another level, chart the seasons with a spectrum of colours. ‘Spring Bouquet’, with its deep-blue background, pink flowers and white birds, is a fine contrast to ‘Autumn Posey’ and its bright oranges and earthy tones. Birds and butterflies adorn some of these pieces – one can sense the very edge of decay, the passing of time before it passes.

On that note, the exhibition runs until Monday 23rd November. Be sure to catch it...

Be aware that this is not a gallery that is welcoming! As a collector of works of art I visited this gallery with my partner and a friend. The current exhibition is devoted to the work of Leon Morrocco; an artist who interests me because I collect his father’s work.

Sadly a member of staff, whom I believe to be a Director, was staggeringly rude. Whilst we were discussing a painting, she approached us in an abrasive manner and dismissively told us to “pipe down”.

Ironically our friend had expressed reservations about visiting such establishments, as they can often seem intimidatory… Unfortunately, our visit to this venue merely confirmed her belief. Shameful!

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P.S. Thank you for taking the time to respond and for your apology. We will take the implication that we do not know how to conduct ourselves in a gallery as yet another example of your...

We have been to the Open Eye Gallery on many occasions for exhibition private views of known artists to us. They are always enjoyable but sometimes you don’t actually get the chance to look at the art properly.

On other occasions we just make a point of visiting during normal hours in the hope that it’s quiet and that’s what we did this week.

Two exhibitions are on, Donald Provan Paintings and Rachel Ross Subjects of Reflection. Both are great exhibitions but my favourite was Donald Provan. His use of found objects and things you would normally discard in his art was amazing and the minute detail of the painting superb. Definitely recommend a visit to this exhibition before it ends on Saturday...