Humanity

About

Humanity is the sixth National Open exhibition organised by the charity, which was established in 2006 to assist artists encountering significant barriers due to health, disability, social circumstance or isolation. The national call-out attracted a record number of entries by 500 artists and over half of the works on show are by artists who have never exhibited with Outside In before, many of whom have previously never exhibited at all. Images of all submitted work will also be shown alongside the 80 selected pieces. This is the second leg of a national tour for the exhibition, which initially opened at Sotheby’s in London in January 2023, and which will go on to show at Brighton & Hove Museums in November. 

This year, shortlisted works were judged at the Sotheby’s show by artist Bob and Roberta Smith, following in the footsteps of previous judges including Sir Grayson Perry and Cathie Pilkington. ‘Old Bands’ by Michelle Roberts was awarded first prize of a solo exhibition in 2024.  ‘Ophelia’ by Gail Henderson and ‘RNLI Saves Refugees’ by Ian Barnes were selected as runners up.

There has never been a time in recent history where the theme of humanity has had such direct relevance to the world in which we are living. The challenges posed by environmental change, war, the global pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have left us to consider what it is to be a human and how to behave humanely. Outside In artists have interpreted humanity from a wide variety of perspectives, both personal and global, and the work on show includes paintings and drawings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, film and performance pieces.

Numerous artists from Scotland have work included in this show, bringing their own unique visions to bear on the chosen theme. Straiph Wilson’s untitled ceramic works, described as “new urban religious objects”, are skull-like and give rise to reflections on mortality, whilst Jonathan Oakes’ ‘Assist’ is inspired by human support, and the importance of a hug.  Greg Bromley’s ‘Observing Intrapsychic Dispute (Externally)’ addresses the inner conflicts of being human, whilst V. Rivers’ striking mixed-media sculpture transforms hurt and disconnection into feelings of safety and love. Fran Orallo’s mesmeric film installation ‘Persona Non Grata’ is inspired by “a person who stands out for their anti-social actions”, spelling out the word Putin in buzzing flies. David Lorimer’s ‘Walking In Trees In All Seasons’ remembers the sadness of being parted from his friend Kin Chan during the Pandemic but also depicts a reunion and Fiona Rintoul’s joyful work ‘The Baby and Granny, Ice Cream At The Beach’ is inspired by the importance of happiness. Alison Edward’s ‘North Berwick’ conjures the pleasures of a day spent at the seaside, whilst Louise Robertson’s ‘Me’ turns the focus on herself (“it’s me,” she says, “I love colour”) and Annie Guttridge presents her first portrait, a striking ‘Ginger Haired Lady.’

“Project Ability is delighted to host the Scottish leg of Outside In’s Humanity exhibition, and particularly pleased that the Scottish contributors will be able to see their work and the work of the other artists on home ground,” comments Elisabeth Gibson, Project Ability’s Artistic Director. “It’s a large exhibition and it will spill out from our main gallery on the first floor, into corridor spaces and up to our third-floor studio, giving audiences the opportunity to explore more of our fabulous building.” 

Outside In’s founder and Director, Marc Steene comments: “The learning and insight into the human condition that this exhibition provides is profound, all the more so for coming from artists not often given centre stage. It illustrates the incredible creativity and wisdom that is on offer if we look beyond the boundaries of convention.”

Guest artist and 2023 judge Bob and Roberta Smith commented: “Outside In does important work with artists and I was thrilled to be a guest judge at this year’s National Open. When judging the submitted artworks, I was looking out for great stories and colours, intense drawing and musical shapes. The thing I take away from this exhibition is integrity - the integrity of the artist’s voice, to want to say something. You get this incredible dialogue going on which is so sincere and direct, refreshing and deeply honest.”