BRAEWELL GALLERIES
Joe O’Brien,
Sans Frontiers
Braewell Galleries curate a number of galleries around the UK and act as agents for an exclusive group of British artists. Head curator Marcus Macleod is constantly looking at new ways of giving everyone full access to art. Working both with galleries in the Braewell group and other independent galleries, he ensures that unsung heroes become heroes, as well as helping more established artists retain their status.
Macleod also instigates the bi-monthly “Guerilla Gallery”, when a gallery environment is installed in unlikely places and top quality art is exhibited for a short period of time. Projects so far have included Club 29 in Glasgow and Hawke & Hunter in Edinburgh. He has also exhibited at the Scottish Parliament.
From March 25 to 27, Braewell will unveil their most ambitious “Guerilla Gallery” yet. Entitled ‘My Little Secret’, it will be in a stunning venue to be announced on their website one week before the launch party. Artists represented by Braewell Galleries include:
Joe O’Brien
Elena
Kourenkova, Love
me tender
Only a year ago, Joe O’Brien was an unknown artist working part-time at Glasgow University. His rise to fame as one of Scotland’s leading artists has been well documented in the press, and 2010 promises to be another exceptional year for him.
Joe’s work primarily focuses on the Reformation, and this being its 500th anniversary, it is sure to attract renewed attention. His depth of knowledge and storytelling ability are clearly displayed in his portrayal of John Knox’s hares (thought to be escaping witches) in Sans Frontiers (pictured here). His work is compared to Stephen Campbell’s, praised by Peter Howson, admired by Graham McKean and bought by many public figures.
O’Brien is set to produce a new set of work based on Buffalo Bill’s visit to Glasgow’s Govan Cross in the 1890s. He has solo shows in Edinburgh at Scotlandart.com (from April 27) and Alpha Art (from August 6). His work can also be seen at the Affordable Art Fair in London (March 11-14), the Glasgow Art Fair (March 25-28) and on an ongoing basis at the Kalyani Gallery, 200 Bath Street, Glasgow.
Joe Hendry
Another rising star with a substantial following, Joe Hendry has become well known for his kilted figures and has been published in books, magazines and newspapers. An exhibition of his work begins at the Kalyani Gallery on April 9. For this show Joe is producing an exceptional set of paintings quite different from his previous work.
It promises to consolidate his position as one of Glasgow’s leading talents. His work also currently appears in the Spring Exhibition at Hawke & Hunter, 12 Picardy Place, Edinburgh.
Elena Kourenkova
Russian-born, Elena has built a solid reputation as one of the top female artists in Scotland. Collected by discerning buyers in Scotland and England, her satirical figurative work can also be seen in the Hawke & Hunter Spring Exhibition. A solo show begins on May 7 in Glasgow’s Kalyani Gallery
Braewell Galleries
Glasgow
Glasgow
www.braewellgalleries.com
