Convenor's Essay

Wendy McMurdo RSA studio portrait, photo Kitty McMurdo-Schad

We must cultivate our garden.

Voltaire

It has been my unique pleasure this year to enter the fray and take up the role of Convener for the 198^th Annual Exhibition. As this post is an elected one (all conveners must be ‘voted in’ by their fellow Academicians) it is an honour to join the ranks of past conveners of this ever growing and venerable event. To join the cohort of past conveners is to also to be part of a growing community of artist and architects (Royal Scottish Academicians) committed to supporting, nurturing, and showcasing creativity in Scotland, at all stages of development.
Wendy McMurdo RSA, Sea Buckthorn/East Lothian

The Annual exhibition is a unique event in the national calendar and is composed of three elements: recent work from current RSA Academicians, selected works from artists invited by the convener and a substantial open submission element. This year, we had more open submissions than ever before and as ever it’s a challenging job to select down for the exhibition.

Inevitably, a wide range of works are submitted to the Open and it can often be difficult to discern themes from such a diverse submission. Looking through the open submissions this year however, it was works exploring our natural world that particularly caught my imagination. Many artists and architects are reflecting on the urgent need to protect and repair the natural resources around us. That these ideas should be embedded in the Open submission is of course no surprise as artists and architects are - and should be - reflecting and questioning the world around them, highlighting the injustices and biases that seek to define us - and bringing joy, of course. We need beauty in our lives more than ever and that is something about which artists are only too aware.
Elspeth Lamb RSA, The Falls

To accompany the open submission and the work for the studios of current Academicians, I have invited five artists to show work this year as part of the 198^th Annual exhibition. All five were trained in and/or are based in Scotland and all are making highly original work of an exceptional quality. All five are also artists who make us question the world around us, often making visible what remains largely invisible. Jon Thomson and Alison Craighead have produced a special iteration of their previous work The Wall which captures digital messages circulating in the digital ether. Their work provides us with a unique snapshot of the entanglement of stories circulating all around us. Sculptor Claire Barclay is showing a sequence of prints closely related to her sculptural practice, working with forms in space. Helen de Main is showing recent work based on the voices of women and the often-invisible labour that has historically determined their lives. Rae-Yen Song’s playful and joyous sculpture uses myth and storytelling to explore issues such as diaspora, hybridity and familial love.
Francisca Prieto, Denied / Woman #13, Photo Tom Carter.

Personally, I am very grateful to the talented and generous team of fellow Academicians who made up this year’s Committee of Arrangements. This year, Annie Cattrell, Graham Fagen, Kenny Hunter, Jessica Harrison, and Matthew Dalziel came together as an expert team of selectors from as far as Isle of Lewis and London to spend an intensive week selecting and installing this year’s exhibition. Each of these artists has a unique vision and their contribution to this year’s event is immeasurable. I would also like to thank the inspirational Jude Barber, who has brought her acumen, vision, and expertise to her wonderful curation of this year’s submissions from Architect Members and from open submission.
Graham Fagen RSA, Sunrise Sunset 1

Behind the scenes at the RSA, preparation for the Annual Exhibition begins many months before the show opens and the successful running of the event relies on a small and dedicated band of RSA staff. I want to take this opportunity to warmly thank Amy Cameron, Programme Coordinator, whose ability to calmly deal with all aspects of the Annual’s complex organisation is now legendary. Thanks too to Emily Randall, Programme Assistant, who has worked alongside Amy on all the organisation of the Annual. I also want to warmly thank Flora La Thangue, Head of Programme, whose experience in making the very most of the RSA Galleries is invaluable. A small army of staff – led by Amy and Flora – worked hard to ensure that everything was brought into, un-packed and organised for hanging in preparation for the installation of the work. Behind the scenes, Director Colin Greenslade and President Gareth Fisher work constantly to ensure the smooth running of the Academy.
David Mach HRSA, Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness

Lastly, I want to thank Neil McIntosh and his valued and expert team of joiners, makers, and installers. With their deft touch, they ensure that every entry appears on the walls and in the space, looking wonderful.

Between all of us, we have cultivated our garden and hope that it will send out shoots that continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.

Wendy McMurdo

Convenor of the 198th Annual Exhibition of the Royal Scottish Academy

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