month later. This was critical to the gallery’s success. It allowed her not only to spread the name of the gallery and its artists, but make new contacts with regional and international galleries. consciously avoiding any sense of parochialism.
With a remit of working with a range of artists. whether emerging, established, Scotland- based or further afield. Beaumont has programmed a series of strong solo shows including Janice McNab, Lyn Lowenstein. Sally Osbourne and llana Halperin. The inaugural exhibition features the
Susanna Beaumont in her Gayfield Square gallery, U a former tyre garage
year. I feel it is important to show that there is a vision and I‘m not prepared to compromise that vision by eyeing up cufflinks within six months.‘
With the gallery almost completed and an exhibition programme planned up until 2002. the greatest challenge facing Beaumont now is finding people willing to pan with their money. Many people have expressed concerns that in Scotland. particularly Edinburgh, there‘s just not the buyers. But Beaumont disagrees.
‘People are increasingly
'"augura' amst Jo'latha" owe" “(on interested in buying art and l the John Watson prize on graduating . from Edinburgh College of Art want them to think that they can
work of up-and-coming artist Jonathan Owen who will show
walkdrawings, paper cut—outs and paintings. Last year, his work, which deals with masculinity and identity, won him the John Watson prize, awarded annually by the Scottish National Gallery of Modem Art to a graduating student from Edinburgh College of Art. A recent show at the Collective Gallery and selection for the Oriel Mostyn Open in Llandudno prove that Owen is definitely one to watch.
‘It would have been very easy to kick off with a catch-all group show,’ says Beaumont. ‘But I thought, no, the space has got to kick off as I think it will continue. In the gallery’s first
come here and buy an original
piece of an by an artist working in Scotland or beyond. and I think doggertisher provides a space that they can come into and not feel intimidated.‘
As the last lick of paint goes onto the walls. Beaumont is hugely confident. if not exhausted. Expectations are high. but for those of us who know her. her ability to succeed is never left in doubt.
Jonathan Owen, Sat 12 May-Sun 17 Jun at doggerfisher, 11 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh.
10-24 May 2001 THE LIST 29