As We See It: Twentieth Century Scottish Art

Close observation is at the heart of this display. The title underlines this, highlighting the unique vision of the artist and their role in supporting us – the viewer – to see the world through their eyes.

In the twentieth century there was no need for art to truthfully reproduce the real world. With no holds barred, artists began to search for new modes of expression, looking at the very stuff of painting itself. Colour, tones, texture, shapes, and the space in between, became their main interest.

This exhibition explores the innovative and diverse approaches artists have taken in their creative practice. Whether representing the real world, abstracting elements from it or depicting a realm from the imagination, each artwork is unique and individual. All are a reflection of the artist’s engagement with the world at a particular time.

Artists represented include John Houston, William Johnstone, Joan Eardley, Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, James Morrison and Will Maclean.