Craigie Aitchison / Paintings 1950 - 2007
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Following the death of Craigie Aitchison in 2009, this exhibition was intended as a celebration of the work of one of Scotland’s most beloved painters. Guided by Scottish Art Historian Bill Hare, the work was carefully selected to offer insight into the meticulous pursuit of formal perfection in painting Aitchison strove for, which has often been overlooked.
The exhibition focused on still lives and portraits but also included work with a subject matter that became synonymous with Aitchison: Bedlington terriers, the crucifixion and portraits. The apparently arbitrary nature of these subjects can be partly attributed to Aitchison’s primary emphasis on form and colour, while also reflecting his desire to represent his own life, travels and friendships. With a great knowledge of the work of painters such as Matisse, Van Gogh and Giotto, Aitchison’s childlike work belies a careful and intuitive response to the very building blocks of painting.
Realised in collaboration with the The Timothy Taylor Gallery.
Exhibition Guide
Published on the occasion of 'Craigie Aitchison / Paintings 1950 - 2007' at Talbot Rice Gallery, The University of Edinburgh.
Texts are available to view below, or download free of charge.
Craigie Aitchison / Paintings 1950-2007
Following the death of Craigie Aitchison last year, this exhibition is intended as a celebration of the work of one of Scotland’s most beloved painters. Guided by Scottish Art Historian Bill Hare, the work has been carefully selected to offer insight into the meticulous pursuit of formal perfection in painting Aitchison strove for, which has often been overlooked.
The exhibition focuses on still lifes and portraits but also includes work with a subject matter that became synonymous with Aitchison: Bedlington terriers, the crucifixion and portraits. The apparently arbitrary nature of these subjects can be partly attributed to Aitchison’s primary emphasis on form and colour, while also reflecting his desire to represent his own life, travels and friendships. With a great knowledge of the work of painters such as Matisse, Van Gogh and Giotto, Aitchison’s childlike work belies a careful and intuitive response to the very building blocks of painting.
We would like to thank the Friends of Talbot Rice Gallery for their generous support of this exhibition, The Timothy Taylor Gallery, London and the lenders who have kindly parted with their works over the Summer of 2010.