Festival
{VISUAL ART} LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
HITLIST RICHARD DEMARCO AND JOSEPH BEUYS Work by the Scottish artist and philosopher alongside photographs of Beuys at work and play in an exhibition that celebrates the friendship between the two great men. See review, page 60. ■ Axolotl Gallery, 557 1460, until 5 Sep (not Sun), free.
Ingrid Calame American artist Calame’s first solo show in Scotland features work inspired by the cracks, stains and marks found in the streets and on buildings. Fruitmarket Gallery, 225 2383, until 9 Oct, free.
David Mach: Precious Light Vast in size and scope, Mach’s celebration of the King James Bible is rendered through large-scale collages and sculptures. City Art Centre, 529 3933, until 16 Oct, £5 (£3). Elizabeth Blackadder Major retrospective of paintings, drawings and watercolours by the Scottish artist that will delight fans and newcomers alike. Scottish National Gallery, 624 6200, until 2 Jan, £8 (£6).
Tamsyn Challenger: 400 Women Powerful installation that brings together the work of over 200 artists in response to a series of murders in a Mexican town. Canongate Venture, 07870 935442, until 4 Sep (not Mon), free.
John Byrne Paintings and illustrations by the much-loved Scottish artist, to coincide with the publication of a major biography. See Artbeat, right and review, page 60. Open Eye Gallery, 557 1020, until 5 Sep, free.
Robert Rauschenberg: Botanical Vaudeville Late work from the great American artist, which explores his abiding interest in the discarded object. Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Gardens, until 2 Oct, free.
Tony Cragg: Sculptures and Drawings Around 50 major sculptures, including new work from Cragg, one of the world’s greatest living artists. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, 624 6200, until 6 Nov, £7 (£5).
SEE EDINBURGHART FESTIVAL.COM FOR MORE INFO
ARTBeat JOHN BYRNE
What came first – the art or the writing? It must have been the drawing and the art, because my mother used to tell people that I was drawing in my pram. We have to take her word for it – she was a very honest woman. Do you hold writing and art in equal regard? It’s funny that, I love both. Whichever one I am doing at the time is my favourite. This exhibition is 97 per cent all new so the last two-three months I just lived my life as a painter.
Do you write and paint concurrently? I don’t think so, they have their own timing, telling me which one wants to be done. The next thing is another, slightly shorter version of [his first play] Writer’s Cramp with the original cast, in November. Secret location – pop-up theatre!
Did you approach your children’s book in a different way to your paintings? I don’t think so, apart from the fact that it’s slightly more conventionalised. It was a bit too dark for the Americans – they didnae want the dogs to be smoking or drinking. Do you get extra satisfaction out of self- portraits? No, I’m just curious about myself. I think it’s odd that people don’t paint themselves the whole time. I’m struck by the entire mystery of being here. I’m curious about what makes us tick. I’m perfect to be experimented on for analysis. No chance I’ll come to any answers but I can ask myself some interesting questions.
Are you going to have a break from art after this? No, I have another pressing deadline! It’s good to move onto something fresh and different. It’s a wonderful thing, people are very honest to the fact that I wear two hats, if not several more. (Interview by Miriam Sturdee) ■ Open Eye Gallery, 557 1020, until 5 Sep, free. See review, page 60.
25 Aug–22 Sep 2011 THE LIST 59
F E S T I V A L