Island Contemporary Art

Books About Island Contemporary Art

Three New Books for the Bookshelf

I'm looking forward to reading these new addiions. Comments to follow.

Calanais
The book of the exhibition celebrating An Lanntair's 10th aniversary, way back in 1995.

Eyes as Big as Plates 2
From Nordic artist duo Karoline Hjorth and Riitta Ikonen

What Is It That Will Last
Land and Tidal Art of Julie Brook

Street Lyrics
Images at our Feet
Stephan-Maria Aust, Heike Winter and Magz Macleod

Street art in the truest meaning – art that is lying on the street. Everything about this book is extraordinary.

Extraordinary photographic subjects, in an extraordinary combination with poetry, in German and in English and a further, extraordinary language – Scottish Gael

Available from www.gaelicbooks.org

The Isle of Rust
Alex Boyd and Jonathan Meades

Here, at the north-westernmost periphery of Europe is what feels like a presage of the future, the distant future, the furthest future, after which there’ll be no future at all. This is the Isle of Rust – known, too, as Lewis and Harris. It is a blueprint, a working model of the day which will have no tomorrow. Jonathan Meades

Isle of Rust not only refers to the countless corroding tractors, weaving sheds and other visible signs of human settlement but also to the colours of the land: the reds of deergrass and the purple moor grass which make up so much of the moorland. It is a place of great contrast in both light and land, from the largely flat peatlands of Lewis, where the majority of islanders make their home, to the mountains of Harris. Alex Boyd

It’d be easy to mistake these landscapes for ruins. Rust is not ruin. There is in Meades-Boyd some kind of shared attention to the detritus of human life. They open their eyes to the humanity that inheres in what outlasts people’s lives. Dan Hicks

Available from www.luath.co.uk

An Leabhar Mòr / The Great Book of Gaelic
Malcolm Maclean & Theo Dorgan

The Gaelic language remains the most potent living link between Scotland and Ireland. Through An Leabhar Mòr/ The Great Book of Gaelic, the work of more than 200 poets, visual artists and calligraphers from both countries has been brought together to create a major contemporary artwork in the form of a visual anthology. The 100 Gaelic poems have been nominated by leading poets and writers such as Seumas Heaney, Hamish Henderson and Alistair Macleod as well as the contributing poets themselves. The selection features work from almost every century from the 6th to the 21st and includes the earliest Gaelic poetry in existence. Comedy, tragedy, love, death, the spiritual and the bawdy are all represented in poems by Sorley MacLean, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Iain Crichton Smith, Michael Davitt, Kevin MacNeill and Cathal Ó Searcaigh. The 100 visual artists – 50 from each country – were commissioned to respond to the poetry in a variety of media.

The resulting book renews the connection between Gaelic Scotland and Ireland and is an extraordinary celebration in words and pictures of the diverse strands of contemporary Celtic culture from the earliest times to the present day.

Available from www.gaelicbooks.com

Rethinking Highland Art
Murdo MacDonald, Lesley Lindsay, Lorna J. Waite, Meg Bateman

Work by Gaelic-speaking artists and artists responding to the culture of the Gàidhealtachd an important part of the art of Scotland..

This book has its origin in a research collaboration between the Visual Research Centre, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (University of Dundee) and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (University of the Highlands and Islands) which led to a major exhibition, Uinneag dhan Àird an Iar: Ath-Lorg Ealain na Gàidhealtachd / Window to the West: The Rediscovery of Highland Art, held at the City Art Centre in Edinburgh in the winter months of 2010-11.

Available from www.gaelicbooks.com

Donald Smith
The paintings of an Islander

‘DONALD SMITH: The Paintings of An Islander, Dealbhan le Eileanach’ opens the door to the work of ‘Dòmhnall Safety’, the Lewis painter who captured the life and landscapes of his native island over the course of some fifty years.

Available from www.acairbooks.com

Journeyman
The Art of Steve Dillworth
Georgina Coburn

Georgina Coburn’s book Journeyman – The Art of Steve Dilworth is the first comprehensive investigation of the life and work of this important groundbreaking artist. Based on five years research and extensive interviews, the story of Dilworth and the evolution of his remarkable work is examined in detail, revealing one of the country’s most innovative and globally significant artists.

Since the 1970s, Steve Dilworth has been redefining art in his approach to making objects and handling of natural found materials. His extraordinary work crosses many boundaries in terms of how we think about sculpture, art objects, and our relationship with the natural world.

Dilworth’s work has featured in various publications, television programmes and films, including Robert Macfarlane’s book The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot and the documentary Is Mise an Teanga / I Am the Tongue directed by Murray Grigor. Recent exhibitions include a major solo retrospective, Mortal Remains at An Lanntair Arts Centre, Stornoway, and Off the Rock at the Pangolin London Gallery.

Journeyman – The Art of Steve Dilworth contains over 100 illustrations in colour and black and white.

Available from www.francisboutle.co.uk

UNNAD Indigenous
Calum Angus Mackay

Photography and Painting from the Hebrides

When I first heard that Calum Angus Mackay was about to open an exhibition of his work at An Lanntair in 2024, as a precursor to the release of this book, I was somewhat excited.

Some of his early photos were already on my wish list for the Hulabhaig Collection,.

My research for Cruinneachadh Hulabhaig has unearthed many questions about island art and indigenous artists, and now that I have a copy of his book, I’m beginning to get answers.

The book is an honest account of Calum Angus’s life as an artist and crofter growing up and living on the Isle of Lewis. Its ability to offer a family and community oriented view of place from a self-examination both realistic and unsentimental is refreshing.

I highly recommend it.

Available from www.acairbooks.com

As an Fhearann - From the Land: A Century of Images of the Scottish Highlands
Edited by Malcolm MacLean and Christopher Carrell

Available from www.abebooks.co.uk

The Spirit of the Hebrides
Word and images inspired by Sorley MacLean

The Spirit of the Hebrides combines the poetry of Kenneth Steven with the photography of Alastair Jackson and features images of Skye and Raasay in homage to one of Scotland's leading 20th century poets, Sorley McLean.

The Spirit of the Hebrides explores islands as places to be discovered; places which shy away from recognition, yet are in some way familiar.

Kenneth Steven's poetry reflects on the link between people and the land; how identity is shaped by wild places; the passing of many of the old ways of the Hebrides; the enduring beauty of these islands; the hospitality of their people and the depth of their spiritual awareness.

Alastair Jackson's photography captures the wilder and remoter parts of Skye and Raasay, often in bad weather, but showing a glimmer of sunshine and hope on the horizon.

His wide horizons and stormy sky offer a glimpse into both the turbulent past and the deep spirituality of the Hebrides. This book uniquely captures the spirit of the Hebrides.

Available from St Andrew Press

More books to follow...

Can you help add to the pile?

Andy Laffan

27/Apr/2025

40 ÷ 40

40 ÷ 40 exhibition at An Lanntair

Forty works by forty artists over four decades of An Lanntair
8 March to 17 May 2025.

When I heard this show was going to happen to celebrate 40 years of An Lanntair, I was delighted, for me as someone in the process of researching and collecting island contemporary art, it was a gift from heaven. And it didn’t disappoint.

It was great to see work from many of the artists I have recently been researching, plus a few more I’ll now need to add to my list.

Some great work from artists already represented in the Hulabhaig collection including Calum Angus Mackay, Danielle Macleod, Deljeem Rai, Mhairi Killin, Sandra Kennedy and Mary Morrison.

Sandra Kennedy
Frasan Trocair (Mercy Showers), 2024.

Mary Morrison
My music is the music of your stones, 2025.

Mhairi Killin
The Pilgrimage, 2012.

Also, it was a pleasure to see Important work from artists pivotal in placing island art in the mix of wider contemporary art including Donald Smith, Steve Dilworth, James Cumming RSA, Will Maclean RSA, Dalziel + Scullion and Julie Brook.

The 40 ÷ 40 exhibition at An Lanntair is a celebration of its 40 years of showcasing some exceptional contemporary art exhibitions. A retrospective revisit to past shows and a speculative look into the future.

“An anthology, comprised of works by 40 of the artists that An Lanntair have represented, encouraged and supported in various capacities over the past four decades. It includes pieces by some who are no longer with us, by established practitioners, and by others who are at an earlier stage in their practice.”

Donald Smith's painting ‘Iasgar Mòr: Fisherman’, is a wonderfully stylised depiction of a fisherman mending his nets, strong in stature with large powerful hands dextrously manipulating such tiny knots unseen in the impressionist brush strokes but clearly the focal point of the subjects undivided attention.

Donald Smith
Iasger Mòr: Fisherman, circa 1970s.

Other standout works for me included Gus Wylie’s Metagama: Memories of the Metagama, Laxay, Lewis 1981, Annie Cattrell’s Profile I & II, 2022, Ruth O’Dell’s Metamorphosis, 2021 and Mhairi Law’s Cliof: Cliff, 2015.

Gus Wylie
Metogama: Memories of the Metagama, Laxay, Lewis, 1981.

Annie Cattrell
Profile I & II. 2022.

Ruth O’Dell
Metamorphosis, 2021.

Mhairi Law
Cliof: Cliff, 2015.

I’ve only mentioned 16 of the 40 artists on show, but all are worthy of praise, as too is Roddy Murray for curating the show, because in my opinion this exhibition should be considered as an important marker for island contemporary art. And for me it’s a great reference point for further study and research into island art and its artists. Thank you An Lanntair.

40 ÷ 40 Forty works by forty artists over four decades of An Lanntair

Article by Andy Laffan

24/Mar/2025

Mary Morrison Studio Visit

Visiting an artist’s studio is a remarkable experience, there is an anticipation of expectation which you know will change once you are there, especially when you are there to add to your collection.

Having already met Mary Morrison a few times, I’d seen some of her work in group shows, but sadly, I’d missed her recent acclaimed solo show at &Gallery earlier this year. Further research had convinced me that her work should be included in the collection, but which artwork?

Her work in oils and mixed media are very much of place, the surrounding mountains, sea scapes and vast skies all feature in her work, but it’s the inclusion of human elements of communication and community such as maps, measurements, music and poetry that places you, the viewer at the very centre of her work.

Mary was born and raised on Harris, but just like so many young island artists, sought her creative direction on the mainland… Most of her adult life spent in the borders, her work was always seeking resolution and mostly informed by her island past, but it is now, having returned to her home and cultural heritage that she is able to reflect on past work as “…often created from a distance and through the lens of dislocation”.

Her new work is exciting and clearly developing in new directions, greatly informed by her island home.

“Now I am here, immersed in this landscape, I’m untangling the layers of identity relating to place, family, heritage, Gaelic language and community.”

There is a clear revisiting of ideas and reimagining of concepts, but now with the added sense of being in the right place.

Her success with recent shows and representation from &Gallery are an important factor, both to her and to island art in general. Her work is exceptional and unique, clearly broadcasting a sense of islandness and in my view highlights the importance of the visual arts to communicate our island culture to the wider global audience.

My studio visit was on a bright clear March afternoon, I met Mary at her cottage, overlooking the Harris sound, as we walked down to her studio at her parents house she pointed out the future location of her soon to be built ‘Live in Studio’.

You can’t beat the wonderful fast flowing onslaught of ideas and concepts that flows from an artist in their studio, as Mary was flicking through old archived work, offering insights into her creative process and influences, I was catching snippets of new directions in current work, thoughts on work that had stalled, work that was waiting for resolution, all while drinking in the smell of paint thickening the creative air. I could have spent all day listening, looking and sensing, but a choice had to be made…

My final selection was of three works, a selection purely based on the personal visual impact each work had on me during my visit. But each work I knew had more to tell. My own connection to the island differs from Mary’s in many ways but the absorbing emotions I was experiencing from these works echoed many of her own, I was looking forward to spending time with these works.

Seaforth, Oil and mixed media on canvas, was a work I had particularly liked, and knew it was a favourite of Mary’s as it hung in her own living room. My interest in visual art is as much an interest in the artist as it is in the work they produce so to include a work the artist personally would choose is important to me, but presents a problem for the artist, would they be willing to let it go?

I felt really honoured when Mary was more than happy to let me have it, knowing it was to become part of the Hulabhaig Collection of Island Contemporary Art, she knew it would be close and remain on the island.

The second work was Locus Amoenus
A mixed media work on paper using photo plate lithography to capture the embossed design of a book cover from the museum room at Traquair House, transformed into something beautifully intriguing and symbolic of a personal protected safe place or garden.

And finally ‘S Fhada Leam an Oidhche Gheamraidh (I Feel the Winter Night is Long), oil and mixed media on paper.

An absorbing work, evoking many emotions relating to islandness, for me, it reminds me of a difficult time, searching for my own personal escape, seeking a far off place to call home. For the artist it was the longing to return to her true place.

Both views are paralleled in this work, knowing your place is out there but out of reach. For Mary and myself, the place has now been reached. Such is the draw of island living and the power of art.

Sadly, this artwork was stretching my budget just a little too far, but I was absolutely delighted when Mary said I could have it on loan. Thank you so much.

And so, the collection grows.

‘S Fhada Leam an Oidhche Gheamraidh (I Feel the Winter Night is Long), Detail.

Article by Andy Laffan

15/Mar/2025

ZODIAC JOURNEY

Exhibition at An Lanntair, running 8 Feb – 1 Mar 2025

A Ritual Journey by Jill Smith. Photographed by Mhairi Law.

Jill’s journey through the 12 signs of the zodiac engaged me more than I had expected. My normal disregard for astrology and its questionable study of celestial bodies, were overwhelmed by the very personal and clearly emotional responses that Jill has to her performed ‘actions’ and the deep spiritual and ritual connections she has with the collected items on display.

Leo - Fire, 23.07.24, TRAIGH NA BOSTADH, (Bosta Beach) Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis.

Twelve ‘actions’ were carefully performed over a 12 month period, each location providing a wonderful stage setting, her actions drawing on past experiences reflecting the many stories, myths and legends of these islands that have intrigued generations of visitors, pilgrims and islanders alike.

Cancer - Water, 02.07.24, Under the Sheela-na-Gig, RODEL CHURCH, Isle of South Harris.

Aries - Fire, 20.03.24, Beach by Tigh nan Cailleachean Dubha, Mealista, Isle of Lewis. (detail)

Capricorn - Earth, 09.01.24, At ‘OLD GRAND-MOTHER TURTLE’ rocks, Callanish, Isle of Lewis.

“ I was very surprised when, in February 2023, I was asked to carry out a year-long project as part of Fruitmarket’s 50-year celebrations. I felt very honoured, but also quite daunted – yet it was something I very much wanted to do.

Although it was not something I would otherwise have thought of doing, it all fell into place very quickly. I knew the sites for each sign and what each should be about. It was perhaps something I had needed to do without realising it. I began working on the preparations immediately, so it has taken over a year and a half of my time.

It was like a weaving – bringing together many different threads of my life into one whole. Outwardly it might seem that I brought in many elements from my days as a Performance Artist when I was known as Jill Bruce, but there have been so many other subtle but deep threads woven in. I have visited, and still visit, many of the chosen sites over and over again, year after year, in another form of journey; very quietly on my own, or years ago with my youngest son Taliesin, carrying out tiny little actions which had great meaning and which have now become part of this more public whole.“
Jill Smith - extract from the epilogue.

Scorpio - Water, 06.11.23 GRIMERSTA RIVER, Isle of Lewis.

Elemental outfits (not costumes) used to carry out the 'actions..

Scorpio - Water, 06.11.23 GRIMERSTA RIVER, Isle of Lewis.

Libra - Air, 27.09.23 CALLANISH MAIN CIRCLE, Isle of Lewis.

Exhibition at An Lanntair, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.

Each action was closely followed and documented by Achmore based photographer Mhairi Law, providing a wonderful visual record of Jill’s monthly journey.
A book is now available from the Fruitmarket website Click Here

More information about this project can be found on the Fruitmarket website. https://www.fruitmarket.co.uk/jill-smiths-zodiac-journey/

Cancer - Water - Jill Smith