WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE 119th ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF THE SOCIETY OF SCOTTISH ARTISTS

As ever, the SSA are delighted to welcome a number of invited artists to the Annual Exhibition in addition to the many inspiring artworks selected through our open submission process.

This year, we introduce to audiences in Scotland the German-born artist, Bettina Hutschek, ahead of her appearance at the 2017 Venice Biennale. Bettina is based in the city of Valletta in Malta, and her participation in this key international contemporary arts event signifies the first time that Malta has taken part in some 17 years.

The SSA are also delighted to be working once again with Mark Daniels, Executive Director of New Media Scotland, a national development agency fostering artist and audience engagement with all forms of new media practice. Daniels will present a large scale sculptural work by ~ in the fields, which was created in response to the fifteen locks of the Crinan Canal in Argyll & Bute.

The winner of the 2015 SSA Prize, which offers one artist the opportunity to develop an ambitious work for the exhibition the following year, is Juliana Capes. Juliana has developed a new installation for the main gallery space entitled ‘Diaspora Paradiso’. We are also delighted to present the works of ten invited graduates from Scotland’s five art colleges, one of which involves an exciting live procession and costume performance.

Another aspect of the Annual Exhibition which visitors in recent years have come to seek out and enjoy is ‘Sit In / Take Away’, a member’s exhibit of small works. As in previous years, it is once again possible to browse a wonderful array of affordable original artworks, which can be purchased, wrapped and taken away on the same day.

2016 has been a busy year for the Society, with Members’ exhibitions in Ullapool and St Andrews, enabling the SSA to continue to reach new audiences, and providing ongoing opportunities for its growing Membership. More can be read about these endeavors within the pages of this catalogue.

I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring this exhibition to fruition: the Selecting and Hanging & Arranging Committees, SSA Members of Council, our wonderful install team, our SSA volunteers, and our generous prize-givers.

We hope you will enjoy the opportunity to read more about the exhibition and associated events and would also like to encourage you to visit our dedicated exhibition website for 2016.

Gayle Nelson, SSA President
October 2016