{"id":55286,"date":"2025-03-27T11:33:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T11:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/?p=55286"},"modified":"2025-03-31T15:15:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T14:15:16","slug":"new-contemporaries-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/new-contemporaries-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"New Contemporaries 2025 at Edinburgh&#8217;s RSA: &#8216;the reality of life through the fresh, inspirational perception of youth&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u2018<em>New Contemporaries\u2019 brings together emerging talent, a platform for the next generation of artists to showcase their vision and creativity. It offers a glimpse into the future of contemporary art, that is bold, thoughtful and wonderfully unpredictable\u2026 to challenge, provoke and inspire\u2019.<\/em> \u2013 Robbie Bushe, Exhibition Convenor, RSA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this 16th annual exhibition of artwork, 63 graduates have been selected from the 2024 degree shows at the five Art Colleges across Scotland, covering painting, printmaking, sculpture, film, photography, performance, installation and architecture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-1024x1401.jpg\" alt=\"Tallulah Batley, 'Pink Parlour', plywood, pine, emulsion, acrylic, wallpaper, cotton pateen copy\" class=\"wp-image-55299 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1401\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-1024x1401.jpg\" alt=\"Tallulah Batley, 'Pink Parlour', plywood, pine, emulsion, acrylic, wallpaper, cotton pateen copy\" class=\"wp-image-55299 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-1024x1401.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-480x657.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-110x150.jpg 110w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-768x1051.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy-1123x1536.jpg 1123w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-plywood-pine-emulsion-acrylic-wallpaper-cotton-pateen-copy.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Tallulah Batley, &#8216;Pink Parlour&#8217;, plywood, pine, emulsion, acrylic, wallpaper, cotton pateen<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tallulah Batley <\/strong>explores the theme of domestic spaces, childhood and gender. Visitors are invited to enter her <em>Pink Parlour<\/em>, immaculately furnished in traditional style: velvet chaise-longue, fireplace and mantlepiece with Wally Dug ornaments; bookshelf, lamp, plants and dolls\u2019 house, <em>La Maison Vert<\/em> with bathroom, kitchen, nursery and drawing room.&nbsp;Around the walls are dozens of portraits of elegant women, c.18-20<sup>th<\/sup> century, one of whom is reminiscent of Frances Cadell\u2019s <em>Portrait of a Lady in Black<\/em> (1921).&nbsp;Batley has envisaged her own version of his favourite muse in <em>Pink Parlour Frame 1B<\/em> \u2013 a fashionable lady in a large hat holding a fan. This wonderful, witty installation focuses on the decorative manner in which we inhabit and design our homes. (Winner of NHS Lothian Charity Tonic Arts Award)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-1024x1190.jpg\" alt=\"Tallulah Batley, 'Pink Parlour Frame 1B', Picture frame, gesso, gouache, paint pen, risograph print\" class=\"wp-image-55300 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1190\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-1024x1190.jpg\" alt=\"Tallulah Batley, 'Pink Parlour Frame 1B', Picture frame, gesso, gouache, paint pen, risograph print\" class=\"wp-image-55300 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-1024x1190.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-480x558.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-129x150.jpg 129w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print-768x893.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Tallulah-Batley-Pink-Parlour-Frame-1B-Picture-frame-gesso-gouache-paint-pen-risograph-print.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Tallulah Batley, &#8216;Pink Parlour Frame 1B&#8217;, Picture frame, gesso, gouache, paint pen, risograph print<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In similar fashion, <strong>Olive Sinclair<\/strong> has created a miniature home for her heroine, <em>Tracy<\/em>. Peep inside a large wooden box to see a Barbie-like doll in a <em>Hello Kitty<\/em> t-shirt, lying on her bed in a cluttered room with wardrobe, desk, film posters and detective comics.&nbsp;In the accompanying, hilarious animated video, Tracy comes to life narrating her diary entries, thoughts and feelings, to illustrate the fluffy pink stereotype of girly femininity.&nbsp;(Winner of the National Library of Scotland Purchase Prize for Moving Image &amp; Mothadaka Foundation Art Collection).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Olive Sinclair, 'Tracy's room and props', mixed-media model\" class=\"wp-image-55298 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"693\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-1024x693.jpg\" alt=\"Olive Sinclair, 'Tracy's room and props', mixed-media model\" class=\"wp-image-55298 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-1024x693.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-480x325.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-150x102.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model-768x520.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Olive-Sinclair-Tracys-room-and-props-mixed-media-model.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Olive Sinclair, &#8216;Tracy&#8217;s room and props&#8217;, mixed-media model<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Documenting a familiar, everyday activity in <em>Mile<\/em>, <strong>Lewis Cavinue<\/strong> presents six photographs of people\u2019s legs striding along in various footwear above a display of the actual shoes.&nbsp;&#8216;Walk a mile in someone else\u2019s shoes&#8217; is the concept to connect the familiar and strange, personal and shared experiences of life after graduating art school. The grubby, well-worn shoes feature Nike &amp; New Balance trainers and black platform and sports boots to illustrate wry humour how art meets real life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-1024x783.jpg\" alt=\"Lewis Cavinue, 'Mile', installation\" class=\"wp-image-55297 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"783\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-1024x783.jpg\" alt=\"Lewis Cavinue, 'Mile', installation\" class=\"wp-image-55297 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-1024x783.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-480x367.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-150x115.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation-768x587.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lewis-Cavinue-Mile-installation.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lewis Cavinue, &#8216;Mile&#8217;, installation<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Exploring ideas around masculinity and changing relationships between men and women, <strong>Calder Mackay\u2019s<\/strong> <em>Silent Pews <\/em>is a poignant study of an elderly couple on Christmas Day, capturing the joy his grandparents shared over the years.&nbsp;This scene tells a personal story illustrating their quiet contentment, wearing silly cracker hats after lunch, with Christmas cards and pictures on the wall.&nbsp;Grandad\u2019s cheery smile recalls a long-lost but unforgotten moment in time and place in the artist\u2019s memory.&nbsp;(Winner of the VAA New Artist award)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-1024x785.jpg\" alt=\"Calder MacKay, 'Empty Pews', oil on stretched canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55293 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"785\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-1024x785.jpg\" alt=\"Calder MacKay, 'Empty Pews', oil on stretched canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55293 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-1024x785.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-480x368.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-150x115.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas-768x589.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Calder-MacKay-Empty-Pews-oil-on-stretched-canvas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Calder MacKay, &#8216;Empty Pews&#8217;, oil on stretched canvas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Erin McPhee<\/strong> is also concerned with preserving nostalgic family memorabilia and photographs. Four portraits in the show straddle the generations from a baby\u2019s first Christmas to Granny Rose with comical caricature style, exaggerating facial expressions. (Joan Eardley liked to include the quirky squints in the eyes of the Samson children).&nbsp;As Erin comments, \u2018<em>I do not intend my work to be insightful but just enough information for the viewer to understand what they see\u2019. <\/em>The simple message is love. (Winner of the RSA Carnegie Scholarship)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-1024x1021.jpg\" alt=\"Erin McPhee, 'Granny Rose', oil on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55294 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1021\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-1024x1021.jpg\" alt=\"Erin McPhee, 'Granny Rose', oil on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55294 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-1024x1021.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-480x479.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas-768x766.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Erin-McPhee-Granny-Rose-oil-on-canvas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Erin McPhee, &#8216;Granny Rose&#8217;, oil on canvas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The fathers of Pop Art, Eduardo Paolozzi and Andy Warhol depicted Minnie Mouse, Coca Cola, Marilyn Monroe and Campbell\u2019s Soup as a playful critique of Americana.\u00a0<strong>Ben McGinlay<\/strong> is also fascinated by the overwhelming presence of commercial advertising, branding imagery and text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here in <em>Sunbeam, <\/em>a glamorous couple evoke the sense of summer freedom &#8211; cold beer and a drive in an Alpine Sunbeam, the classic two-seater roadster coup\u00e9<em>, <\/em>(as featured in the first James Bond movie, <em>Dr. No<\/em>, 1967).&nbsp; In this clever Pop Art spoof of a vintage advert, the sportscar is not illustrated, yet subtly promotes the romantic, leisurely lifestyle of a Sunbeam driver: the idealised, cultural image of success sells the dream.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-1024x1376.jpg\" alt=\"Ben McGinlay, 'sunbeam', oil on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55291 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1376\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-1024x1376.jpg\" alt=\"Ben McGinlay, 'sunbeam', oil on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55291 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-1024x1376.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-480x645.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-112x150.jpg 112w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-768x1032.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas-1143x1536.jpg 1143w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ben-McGinlay-sunbeam-oil-on-canvas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ben McGinlay, &#8216;Sunbeam&#8217;, oil on canvas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lara Juneman<\/strong> presents a series of four abstract patterns on themes of nature, layering and enhancing texture using wood board, unprimed canvas and newsprint. Intricate experimentation and mark-making are observed in <em>Black \u2013 <\/em>perhaps the rugged, rocky contours of a mountain, and <em>Pink <\/em>\u2013 delicate floral and leaf shapes floating in shimmering water across the canvas.&nbsp;The contrasting techniques and process show such finely-crafted detail of each composition: \u2018<em>My&nbsp;intention is for people to get closer to the art and experience it physically and for there to be a lot left unknown\u2019.&nbsp;<\/em>(Winner of the RSA Landscape award)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Juneman, 'Black', charcoal on canvas &amp; Pink, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55296 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Lara Juneman, 'Black', charcoal on canvas &amp; Pink, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas\" class=\"wp-image-55296 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-480x321.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lara-Juneman-Black-charcoal-on-canvas-Pink-acrylic-and-oil-pastel-on-canvas.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lara Juneman, &#8216;Black&#8217;, charcoal on canvas, and &#8216;Pink&#8217;, acrylic and oil pastel on canvas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the RSA, the animal kingdom features strongly in several installations, with surreal narrative vision.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To the buzzing sound of cicadas, the male\u2019s courtship call, transporting you to a Greek island, <strong>Theodora Koumbouzis&nbsp;<\/strong>has created a large-scale, kinetic <em>Cicada.<\/em> If you have a fear of creepy-crawlies, this Cicada is extremely lifelike with prominent eyes, antennae and transparent wings. With a wire and motor contraption, the insect crawls and clambers very, very slowly up the wall.&nbsp;Theodora\u2019s work explores undesirable emotions and the ability to engage with an inert object, once it has become animated. The cicada features in Chinese art and mythical folklore as a symbol of immortality. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-1024x1365.jpg\" alt=\"Theodora Koumbouzis, 'Cicada, Cicada', fig branch, motor, metal\" class=\"wp-image-55301 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-1024x1365.jpg\" alt=\"Theodora Koumbouzis, 'Cicada, Cicada', fig branch, motor, metal\" class=\"wp-image-55301 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-480x640.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Theodora-Koumbouzis-Cicada-Cicada-fig-branch-motor-metal.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Theodora Koumbouzis, &#8216;Cicada, Cicada&#8217;, fig branch, motor, metal<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From small insects to large mammals &#8211; the Highland Cow.&nbsp;<strong>Ewan Douglas <\/strong>explores the paradoxical nature of Scottish identity and stereotypes of \u2018<em>twee tartan and tinned shortbread,\u2019<\/em> in his dreamlike <em>Albaland<\/em>. In a straw-filled enclosure with the sign, \u2018Please do not feed the animals\u2019, five life-size black and russet furry coos stand on their hind legs in a huddled circle. At their feet are empty bottles of Buckfast tonic wine, made by Benedictine monks since 1897 &#8211; this fortified, caffeine-rich wine is 15% ABV, so drink responsibly.&nbsp;With self-deprecating humour, this brilliantly inventive sculpture reflects the dark side of the Scots&#8217; love affair with alcohol, engrained in our society.&nbsp;<em>Slainte Mhath!<\/em> (Good Health)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-1024x1120.jpg\" alt=\"Ewan Douglas, 'Herd Mentality', mixed media\" class=\"wp-image-55295 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1120\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-1024x1120.jpg\" alt=\"Ewan Douglas, 'Herd Mentality', mixed media\" class=\"wp-image-55295 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-1024x1120.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-480x525.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-137x150.jpg 137w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media-768x840.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ewan-Douglas-Herd-Mentality-mixed-media.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Ewan Douglas, &#8216;Herd Mentality&#8217;, mixed media<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Animal Farm<\/em> by George Orwell is an allegorical novella about the anthropomorphic animals at Mr. Jones&#8217; Manor Farm. Old Major, a pig, describes his dream about a world where all animals live free from the tyranny of their human masters, and the pigs Snowball and Napoleon take command to stage a revolt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bethany Reid&nbsp;<\/strong>may well be inspired by Orwell\u2019s \u2018fairy story\u2019 as her artistic practice also questions the complexities of human-animal relationships in <em>When You&#8217;re Big<\/em>.&nbsp;It envisages sweet wee piglets running free in the farmyard, with no knowledge of being sent to the abattoir when they grow up, comparing an innocent, childlike perspective with the adult\u2019s awareness of meat production. Bethany uses recycled textiles to craft a tapestry screen juxtaposing gleeful and grisly pictures to reflect on the ethics of animal welfare. <em>&#8216;Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough. Yet he is lord of all the animals.<\/em>&#8216; George Orwell, <em>Animal Farm<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-1024x999.jpg\" alt=\"Bethany Reid, 'When You're Big', mixed media\" class=\"wp-image-55292 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"999\" src=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-1024x999.jpg\" alt=\"Bethany Reid, 'When You're Big', mixed media\" class=\"wp-image-55292 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-1024x999.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-480x468.jpg 480w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-150x146.jpg 150w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media-768x749.jpg 768w, https:\/\/artmag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Bethany-Reid-When-Youre-Big-mixed-media.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Bethany Reid, &#8216;When You&#8217;re Big&#8217;, mixed media<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Admission to the exhibition is \u00a38 \/ \u00a35 (free on Mondays) and a supporting programme of events and tours can be viewed at the RSA&#8217;s web page (see left).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>With thanks to Vivien Devlin for contributing this review. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><b><i>Review<\/i><\/b>: RSA New Contemporaries, the long-standing annual exhibition of work by new graduates of Scotland\u2019s schools of art and architecture, returns for its sixteenth showcase of eye-catching work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":55298,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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