Review: Constructed Narratives, Royal Scottish Academy

Girdy & Birdy went along to the Royal Scottish Academy to take in a bit of culture, by way of Constructed Narratives, an exhibition from a trio of Aberdeen artists.

Myself and Girdy were curious to attend Constructed Narratives, from Lennox Dunbar RSA, Ian Howard RSA and Arthur Watson PPRSA – and rather selfishly, as an art student, I make it my job to take in as many exhibitions as possible.

I also found it very interesting that all three artists were born within a couple of years of each other, and all had the privilege of being taught by Charles Hemingway. Although each artist has developed their own style worthy of praise, much of their success is credited to Hemingway’s teaching methods, where they were encouraged to regularly look at, and write about, art.

As you may have guessed from the title, this exhibition is all about construction, whether physical or implied. However, what myself and Girdy were more unprepared for, was the journey it took us on.

From the charming, captivating characters and scenarios in Howard’s work, to the thoughtfulness of Dunbar’s construction and deconstruction to create something entirely new that’s a delight for the eyes, to Watson’s incredible 3D pieces and colourful ensemble works, I really enjoyed this show.

It’s interesting to see how three different artists, who work in such different ways, can complement each other in a show such as this one – and, for me, it’s quite inspirational, too.

Personally, I was most drawn to Howard’s work, with the gecko cigar and zombie-like horse. There’s simply so much to look at in each piece, and I find myself utterly lost in the worlds he created on the canvas.

I think Girdy was impressed by the exhibition, too, and on a day where we also ate whilst on swings, tried to avoid the rain, saw the naked bikers more than once, and tried on hats at the National Library of Scotland, this was one of the more exciting and enjoyable parts of our day.

Things to do in the city centre

With the RSA’s location being so central, on Princes Street nonetheless, what isn’t there to do? There’s the shopping, of course, with all the shops on Princes Street, plus the nearby St James Quarter just a few minutes’ walk away.

Fancy seeing a show? The Playhouse theatre is also within walking distance, and Twenty could be a good pre-theatre dinner if it suited. Alternatively, there’s also the Omni Centre, where you can catch a film at Vue! 

Your nearest train station is Waverley Station, literally situated across the road, and buses along Princes Street are 10 to a dozen! For more art, there’s always the City Art Centre, which is conveniently close to the Edinburgh Dungeons if you wanted to take in some gory history!

For somewhere to stay in the city centre, you’re literally spoiled for choice, with Hotel Indigo, the Premier Inn, the Glass House Hotel, York House Hotel, and many, many more options!

Conclusion

Constructed Narratives is a thought-provoking and varied exhibition that feels like it takes your brain on a bit of a journey – but what that journey is? Well, that’s entirely what you make of it. The exhibition is on until the 28th July, so if you haven’t seen it yet – and you’re serious about contemporary art – I highly recommend you do.