A MAJOR new free exhibition showcasing some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary artists is to open at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre, before embarking on an international tour.
A Parliament of Lines will exhibit the work of fifteen contemporary artists, most working at an international level, all of whom use drawing as an important element in their practice.
The exhibition is built around five broad themes, each used to link the work of a number of the artists involved. The themes are: Figuration, Architecture/Landscape, Minimal Abstraction, Reproduction/Photography, and Sculptural Investigation.
All of the artists have either been born in Scotland or attended Art College here, and can boast a host of accolades and international exhibitions between them.
City of Edinburgh Council Museums Collections Manager David Patterson said “A Parliament of Lines promises to be a feast for all those who love drawing. The range of artists involved and the wealth of experience and creativity will certainly make it a must see for all lovers of contemporary art.”
Artist and curator Euan Gray said: “Drawing has remained at the heart of Scottish art education since Edinburgh College of Art was formed initially as the first drawing school in Britain, over 250 years ago. In the 21st Century, drawing has a renewed importance in the art world. A Parliament of Lines aims to explore how drawing is being used in current contemporary art practice. The exhibition seeks to question what constitutes a drawing, at times exploring its boundary with painting, animation and photography.”
The work on display in A Parliament of Lines, most of which has been created specially for the show, ranges from the exquisite tiny drawings of Paul Chiappe and Marie Harnett to a site specific wall drawing by Alan Johnston and an installation by Nathalie de Briey.
An illustrated book, including essays by Charles Esche, Murdo MacDonald and Gavin Morrison, and a busy events programme accompanies the exhibition.
A Parliament of Lines is a partnership project between the City Art Centre and artist / curator Euan Gray. An international tour of the exhibition is being planned – following its debut in Edinburgh, it will travel first of all to The Pier in Orkney, before crossing the globe to Melbourne in Australia.
A Parliament of Lines will be on show at the City Art Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh from 5 May – 8 July 2012. Admission is free.
