Aberdeen Art Gallery is delighted to launch a major exhibition of new work by three of Scotland’s foremost artists – Lennox Dunbar, Ian Howard and Arthur Watson. The Aberdeen-born contemporaries attended Aberdeen Grammar School and as students were greatly influenced by weekly visits to the Art Gallery.
Since then, they have explored independent creative journeys producing a range of artwork including paintings, prints and sculpture. Construction, whether physical or implied, is at the heart of each artist's work. They use building, layering and installation in different ways to construct narratives – stories they want to share with the visitor.
As an introduction to the show we have a small selection of works created early in the artists’ careers that have become part of the city’s art collection, displayed alongside works that inspired them on their visits to the gallery as young men.
Well-known as artists, Dunbar, Howard and Watson have also made their mark as educators, teaching in art schools in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee and abroad, guiding and inspiring younger generations of artists.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman said: “ The city is delighted to be hosting this wonderful exhibition featuring new work by three Aberdeen artists who have made such a significant impact. Visitors will be able to see work from the artists’ early careers bought for the city’s collections alongside their latest creations.”
Speaking on behalf of the artists Arthur Watson said: “Although we have all exhibited internationally it means more to be showing our work here in Aberdeen Art Gallery which was central to our art education and supported each of us while still young. The new exhibition space created by Gareth Hoskins is truly world class and it is an honour to install our work here. I hope we do it justice”.
Constructive Narratives – Lennox Dunbar, Arthur Watson and Ian Howard
14 October 2023 to 28 January 2024
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB109 1FQ
Admission free