We’ve been blethering about doing this exhibition for 2 years, usually while bobbing about on the water. The title Beautiful Shambles was coined on a ferry to Barra. It was only meant to be a working title, maybe even a backhanded compliment, but it stuck.
As four pals with decades of shared history and deep roots in Glasgow, we wanted to bring our practices together and respond to the city that shaped us. Each of us speaks in a different visual language, reflecting Glasgow’s humour, grit, history and daily life. Here’s hoping this is the first of many.
Chris Swan turns his lens on the overlooked details of the city, finding extraordinary moments within ordinary streets. His photographs elevate Glasgow’s grit, texture and small idiosyncrasies into something fresh and compelling.
Nick Smith presents new work rooted in Glaswegian slang, turning everyday patter into braw colour through his process of psycolourgy. His colour-chip pieces and collaborative canvases with Chris pair Glesga scenes with stoater hues that carry the humour, rhythm and gallus spirit of the city.
Ross Ryan spent a month painting across Glasgow, day and night, meeting the characters who shape the city’s streets. His plein air works capture humour, chance encounters and the raw personality of urban life.
Stewart Swan’s Animal Scheme reimagines Orwell’s Animal Farm within a Glasgow estate. Anthropomorphic figures in tracksuits move through derelict towers in a darkly comic exploration of power, corruption and working-class resilience.
You can view the full exhibition catalogue here:
Exhibition Dates
Private View: Friday 28 November, 5 pm to 10 pm
Open Hours: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, 11 am to 5 pm
Venue
The Glue Factory
22 Farnell Street
Glasgow
G4 9SE
The show features photography, painting and colour-based works that explore Glasgow’s rhythm, humour and character from four distinct perspectives. All works are available to view and purchase online or in person over the exhibition weekend.