Tramway visit by Morag Macgilchrist

On Wednesday 26th October a group of Project Ability artists visited Tramway in the south side of Glasgow to see two very different exhibitions. Upon arrival we went into the smaller gallery to see the work of Norman Gilbert. Gilbert was a Glasgow painter who lived close to Tramway in his family home and studio. Painting almost exclusively his family and close friends, his works are vibrant, to the point that in his black ink on board pieces one can still feel the colours seep through. He painted for over 60 years and that vast time period is reflected in the art shown. Accompanying his painting are clothing, sketches and items from his home, it makes for an eclectic mix and gives the visitor a sense of what his home studio felt like.

We then went into the larger gallery and were treated to one of the most interesting installations I personally have ever seen! Iza Tarasewicz latest work is made using old farm equipment, metals, clay, spices and wheat. Her inspiration is the history of her family farm in Koplany, Eastern Poland. She draws from the 16th century and the musical beat workers used to gather the wheat. Her installation is a fascinating mix of swirling vortexes, what looks like a vibrante golden sun, mobiles of old rusted equipment and smaller structures holding wheat. Both exhibitions continue into next year and details can be found at tramway.org

After all that excitement, before we went home, we walked in the Hidden Gardens and had a drink at Tramways lovely cafe.

– Morag Macgilchrist, ReConnect Artist