I like things I remember - Project Ability

I like things I remember was originally created for Glasgow International 2024. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share these canvases with a new audience at Platform! The large exhibition wall in the library will allow visitors to take in all the works at once. Platform is the arts centre at the Bridge, in Easterhouse. They have a packed year round schedule of events from everything to art workshops, swimming, theatre and more.

Jonathan McKinstry’s solo exhibition I like things I remember is a collection of paintings inspired by childhood memories of fun, games, and tasty treats. The paintings explore a nostalgia that comes from growing up while holding onto a love for pop culture from a time past.

Iconic imagery from the 70s and 80s, including, Wimpy Burgers, My Little Pony and Star Wars are referenced, with the colours of branding and packaging used to invoke memories of McKinstry’s youth. Jonathan’s favourite childhood board games are featured too, like Operation, Buckaroo and Hungry Hippos. Action figures, one of Jonathan’s lasting loves, also play a part in the exhibition.

“It’s the most painting I have done in my life. I feel like I have achieved something and I hope people will like them”, says Jonathan.

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Most of the paintings are quite impressive in size (like Operation, which is 120x150cm) and are covered in bright, bold acrylics. Jonathan has enjoyed the challenge that I like things I remember has been for him. The bigger canvases might seem daunting, but Jonathan has painted murals before so he has approached the task with a plan: “You can really slap a lot of paint into it. But I do a lot of like, rough thumbnail work and it’s not all chaos”.

Jonathan carries his most cherished memories through to adulthood and is still a massive fan of comics, Star Wars (Chewbacca being his favourite character) and attending Comic Con festivals. He remembers playing board games such as HeroQuest with his older brother, a shared childhood love for role-playing games the pair has taken into adulthood by spending evenings playing on the XBOX together.

McKinstry attends Project Ability’s Aspire programme for people with learning disabilities and autism, where his practice has expanded thanks to the creative and supportive environment and his love for popular media makes people smile.

1. J McKinstry, Mousetrap, 80x80cm, acrylic on canvas

2. J McKinstry, Care Bear, 80x80cm, acrylic on canvas

3. J McKinstry, Buck-A-Roo, 76x102cm, acrylic on canvas

4. J McKinstry, Hungry Hungry Hippos, 80x80cm, acrylic on canvas

5. J McKinstry, Hulk Hogan Action Figure, 76x102cm, acrylic on canvas

7. J McKinstry, My Little Pony, 80x80cm, acrylic on canvas

8. J McKinstry, Mr Wimpy, 76x102cm, acrylic on canvas

9. J McKinstry, Subbuteo Figure, 76x102cm, acrylic on canvas

10. J McKinstry, Stretch Armstrong, 76x102cm, acrylic on canvas

11. J McKinstry, Space Hopper, 70x50cm, acrylic on canvas

12. J McKinstry, Darth Vader (i.o.p.), 100x120cm, acrylic on canvas

13. J McKinstry, Chewbacca (i.o.p.), 100x120cm, acrylic on canvas

14. J McKinstry, Barbie (i.o.p.), 100x120cm, acrylic on canvas

15. J McKinstry, Rock Em Sock Em, 120x120cm, acrylic on canvas

18. J McKinstry, Operation, 120x150cm, acrylic on canvas

27. J McKinstry, He-Man, 120x120cm, acrylic on canvas

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Visit

9-5, Monday – Saturday

The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road

Easterhouse, Glasgow, G34 9JW

Free entry / wheelchair accessible toilet