В Глазго открывается персональная выставка картин Гордона Уилсона «Мой внутренний зритель»

Brought to you by ANNAN GALLERY ‘My Mind’s Eye’ a Solo Exhibition of Gordon Wilson’s new paintings, will be at the Annan Gallery, Glasgow from September 5 to 27 One of Scotland’s most popular contemporary artists opens his only solo exhibition of the year with a new collection shaped by his unique take on the world around him. Artist Gordon Wilson, whose iconic paintings have taken the very Scottish ‘Biddies’, ‘Belties’ and ‘Clyde Puffers’ from Glasgow to collectors around the world, is returning to one of his favourite galleries with ‘My Mind’s Eye’ – a new collection that is as much about how he sees the world as what he sees. The exhibition explores the unique way Wilson transforms familiar landscapes, everyday encounters and characters through memory, imagination and interpretation. The result is a collection rich with atmosphere, character and emotion, filtered through his unmistakable creative vision. For Wilson, it is a fitting title for a collection that draws on a lifetime of experiences, observations and memories. Much of the work begins in his imagination, with ideas developing instinctively as he paints. “I rarely use references and don’t often have a plan when I go into the studio – I go down little avenues in my head and imaginings that I have,” he said. That approach is reflected in his use of colour and form, with familiar Scottish scenes transformed through his own interpretation. “The grass is hardly ever green and the sky is seldom blue,” he said. “My paintings are not photographic representations. I have my own way of doing things and I tend to put my spin on it and I think that is what appeals.” It is this personal way of seeing that has become central to Wilson’s work. His landscapes, seascapes and recurring characters reflect the people and places that have shaped his view of Scotland throughout his life. His recurring “wee biddy”, one of his most iconic motifs, may initially prompt a smile, but behind the character lies a more poignant story. “Everyone thinks my wee Glasgow biddy is amusing but she actually comes from quite a serious place because she is a kind of homage to my grandparents who I never knew,” he said. “There is a lot of pathos there but also a lot of humour because I send her off on little journeys and adventures. I think many Scots recognise her - she could be your own gran or someone you grew up knowing. She’s a nod to Scotland and to that generation’s stoicism, humour and sense of purpose.” The Biddy is just one of the recurring themes throughout Wilson’s work, offering subtle nods to Scottish life without becoming literal representations. It is perhaps this balance between familiarity and imagination that has connected his work with so many collectors and art lovers. Wilson’s success, developed over decades of hard work from his Glasgow studio, has resulted in his paintings finding homes around the world. His work has even brought him into contact with Dame Judi Dench, after she selected him to paint with her for a special edition of the BBC’s Countryfile, with the pair subsequently keeping in touch. Yet it is the people, places and stories that have surrounded Wilson throughout his life that continue to provide the raw material for his imagination. He said: “I’m very taken by the industrial heritage of the Clyde shipyards. My takes on the puffers come from childhood holidays in Inveraray and seeing puffers there.” That makes ‘My Mind’s Eye’ more than simply a collection of Scottish landscapes and characters. It is a glimpse into Wilson’s unique way of looking at the world– more than fifty years of memories and experiences absorbed, reimagined and translated onto canvas. The exhibition also continues a relationship with the Annan Gallery stretching back for the majority of Wilson’s painting career. The gallery, whose Glasgow roots date to 1855, has long championed Scottish contemporary art and Wilson says its genuine enthusiasm for his work remains important. “Owners Scott and Susan (Bennett) love art and my work and I think that comes through with how they present my paintings and deal with their client base as well. This is my main show and focus for 2026 so I’m thrilled to be showing again at the Annan.” Gallery owner Scott Bennett said: “We know Scottish art is incredibly strong and Gordon is at the top of his game. He’s already recognised as one of the leading Scottish painters of today and I believe his reputation and significance will only continue to grow. “We’re therefore delighted to once again be showing Gordon’s work on this scale and look forward to many visitors coming to enjoy the show.” For an artist whose work is now coveted around the world, that success remains something he approaches with gratitude. “I’m very blessed to do something I absolutely love and that people like and enjoy. Hopefully, the show inspires everyone to see the familiar a little differently and find their own imagination in it.” ‘My Mind’s Eye’ at the Annan Gallery from September 5 to 27. Annan Gallery 164 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LL. www.annanart.com