Exhibition: Chris Rutterford - DROUTHY CRONIES
DROUTHY CRONIES
Chris Rutterford
10 – 25 September 2011
PREVIEW: FRIDAY 09 SEPTEMBER | 18:30 - 21:30
This year’s showcase from Chris Rutterford continues his love affair with huge historical pictures sparked by last year’s ‘Jacobite Stramash’. This time round it revolves around a spectacularly conceived and executed 20meter long, 2meter high, Tam O’Shanter commission for the Bristol Bar in Glasgow. There is a 14meter completed section on display which tells the story of Tam venturing drunk into the wild stormy night, spying on the devil’s Celidh and his subsequent discovery and narrow escape, fleeing from the mob toward safety at the Brig O’Doon on his trusty, terrified steed Meg. Usually the scene is depicted with the focus on the lead witch ‘Nannie’ but this painting is so long the whole legion of unholy loons has room to ‘bizz out wi angry fyke’. The finished piece seethes with the danger of the moment. It owes as much to ‘Hammer’ as it does to Burns.
As a bonus, Chris has made an animation of the murals manufacture, which will be showing alongside the finished piece and he will be working live in the show over the fortnight. He is more than happy to give insight as he begins the process again from scratch, starting production on the last six metres. This time showing Tam ‘bousing at the Nappy, getting fou and unco happy’, with his cronie, Souter Johnie.
In addition this prolific artist will be showing a selection of commissions and personal work completed since last year’s show. He has his usual muscular portraiture, nudes and drawings but, furthering his preoccupation with Scottish identity, there is also a selection of beautiful horned Scottish animals in round Targe frames.
Alongside all this he has invited two of his personal Cronies to exhibit work. Fiona Rutterford, his wife, is a talented printmaker showing a selection of atmospheric and iconic collagraphs. Scott Baxter is showing a variety of conceptual prints, photos and drawings. These two artists both produce contemplative and nuanced artwork which more than holds its own against Chris’s exuberant showmanship.
This show may quench your thirst but sticks to your ribs more like broth than water. And as Chris’s Granny, Netta, used to say, ‘Better a shameful eating, than a shameful leaving.’
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