Modern Masters Women at the Scottish Gallery
Having closed its doors for the first time in 178 years, The Scottish Gallery is at last due to reopen in July with a pioneering new exhibition: Modern Masters Women.
In anticipation of the reopening, I spoke with Christina Jansen, the Managing Director, about the unusual history of The Scottish Gallery and their innovative plan for exhibiting during a pandemic.
The Scottish Gallery has been hosting Modern Masters exhibitions since 2013, but 2020 marks the first of its kind dedicated solely to art made by women. Even so, Christina tells me, this exhibition space is no stranger to exhibiting the work of female artists.
Founded by Aitken Dott in 1842, the gallery was once known as "Gilders, Framers, and Artists' Colourmen". Dott’s niece happened to be an artist too, and one with an ambition. It was her determination to be treated like her male peers that got her an exhibition in her uncle’s gallery and opened its doors to more women like her.
Christina describes a certain “a commercial pragmatism” behind Dott’s willingness to exhibit art made by women. If a painting would sell, it got hung on the wall, regardless of the gender of the artist.
These days, success may not be out of bounds for women, but it is certainly elusive for any artist. “Conflict is one of the big things of the art world,” says Christina. “But the great thing is, that's got nothing to do with gender. That's just the conflict of all the different styles and all the different [forms of] expression out there.
“Who becomes the highest selling artist and who doesn’t is really very obscure. There's nothing fair about it; there's no formula for it. It's the most difficult thing to work out. [It's] a form of gambling.”
That being said, Christina is aware of the opposition women have traditionally experienced in the art world. There’s no doubt that sexism has suppressed talent that would have otherwise shone. That’s why the Modern Masters Women collection is important, even for a gallery with a history of platforming women.
Due to exhibit from 30 July - 29 August, the Modern Masters Women collection will delve into the archives to celebrate the tremendous talent of Scottish women artists, such as Joan Eardley and Bet Low.
The exhibition will also include work by Anne Redpath, who Christina calls “an astonishing woman”. Redpath is known for her vivid colours and domestic still life scenes, but that’s not the only reason Christina has taken an interest.
“[Redpath] had a huge profile in London, Christina explains. “She was a single mother. She did it all; [she was] a very confident, successful painter, a fantastic role model.”
Flowers in a Jug, by Anne Redpath. Oil, 82.5 x 72.5 cm
Now that lockdown measures are easing in the UK, the gallery is looking forward to welcoming visitors once again. Of course, numbers will be limited, and social distancing will be encouraged. For those who still don’t feel comfortable visiting the gallery in person, they can experience the exhibit online via a virtual 3D tour, punctuated with short podcasts and film clips.
“The gallery is meaningless without some human interaction,” Christina insists. This is why her team have worked with other organisations, curators and art historians to create a free, 10-minute lecture series to supplement the exhibition. Virtual visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the artists over Zoom, should they wish to.
Whether or not you choose to experience Modern Masters Women in person or online this summer, The Scottish Gallery will return as the creative haven it was always intended to be. “We’re here to transform your experience,” Christina promises, and I don’t doubt she’s right.
Title image is Black Parrot Tulips by Barbara Balmer, sourced via The Scottish Gallery.
