Agora
Participating Galleries
We are delighted that the following exhibiting galleries have embraced our theme 'Agora' for this year's event. Each of these galleries has chosen an artwork that they feel represents the theme of community, which we know is so important, especially at this particular time in our world's history. We hope all exhibitors and visitors to this year's show feel the warmth of community and togetherness that we know the fair can generate, and that everyone leaves the show content and enriched from soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the abundance of original creations on show at this annual gathering of art enthusiasts and lovers.
Atelier Gallery
We believe that ‘Blue Light over Inverpolly, Sutherland’ by Linda Park, best represents a sense of community for our gallery. Linda, being our artist in residence here at The Atelier Gallery creates more than just art but an engaging community with our customers.
Often working in her studio at the back of the gallery, Linda can provide first-hand experience on what it’s like to be a practicing artist. Engaging in conversations around her art and the journey she explores on each individual and original painting.
Creating a space for artistic dialogue and reflection for anyone curious enough to ask questions. By integrating these discussions into her daily practice, not only is Linda able to produce alluring art, but she is able to strengthen a more connected and captivated community.
"Blue Light over Inverpolly, Sutherland". Linda Park.
Catherine & Company
This painting sums up the community to me. It’s inspired by the Venezuelan initiative El Sistema, which helps children out of poverty through music education.
Sistema Scotland was established in 2010 and through the venture Big Noise brings music education to areas of Scotland where children in particular suffer from under privilege. Poverty is so much more than lack of resources – it’s about lack of access to education, the arts and everything that enriches life.
Few things are more important to a community than feeding and enriching the lives of its children and young people. In addition to being an artist I am an educator, and this is very close to my heart.
For further information on 'Big Noise' please visit: https://makeabignoise.org.uk
"The Violin Lesson", oil on canvas. Catherine Mooney.
Delaroke Gallery
"The Blind Community” by Woko Aguru offers a profound exploration of interdependence and resilience within a community where only one member possesses sight. Through the textured and uniform depiction of blind figures carved from polystyrene, the artwork symbolizes a society that, despite a shared limitation, finds strength and cohesion.
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The lone-sighted figure is not depicted as a ruler but as an essential part of the collective, with their sight serving the
community rather than dominating it. The hanging rattles, composed of found objects at the bottom of the piece, reflect the diverse contributions and roles within the community, emphasizing that every member, regardless of ability, plays a crucial role in their collective survival and success.
This work challenges traditional notions of power,
proposing a model where support, mutual reliance, and shared purpose foster a thriving community despite its limitations.
"The Blind Community", mixed media and found objects. Woko Aguru.
Eleven Painters Collective
I spent lockdown homeschooling my three children, fortunate to be furloughed from my job.
As I struggled through helping with my eldest son with maths and computing science exams, and did increasing amount of more enjoyable art projects with my younger boys, I found myself returning more and more often to this question: “what would have happened if I had gone to art school instead of university…could I have become an artist? What might have been?”
I had already begun a few classes at Leith School of Art in Edinburgh, but as with many other people, lockdown proved a pivotal turning point in my life; a moment for reassessment and a change of direction. I didn’t want my dream of being an artist to be something I’d always regret not doing.
As soon as some of the restrictions were lifted, our first trip out of Edinburgh was to a beach in East Lothian. It was a magical day, made all the more so by the amount of time we’d had to spend at home. Seeing the joy of being in the windswept Scottish outdoors on my children’s faces is a memory I will always treasure.
There must have been a violent storm out at sea in the previous days as the sand was littered with debris, like lobster and crab claws, and the weather itself was still realigning: blue skies one minute, dark thunderous clouds the next, then rainbows or fierce wind. We all loved it so, so much. My little family, my community, with this majestic beach all to ourselves.
It’s an image I have returned to paint many times over the years, first at classes at Leith School of Art, and then subsequently for gallery exhibitions with my art collective, Eleven Painters, which has become another community for me.
We all met at LSA, keen amateur artists initially all with very different styles of art. Over the years since the pandemic we’ve not only formed close connections but gone on to great success exhibiting together at Dundas Street Gallery, the Borders Art Fair and this year again at the Edinburgh Art Fair.
I couldn’t have fulfilled my dream of becoming a full time professional artist without both my communities: my family and Eleven Painters.” - Susie Collingbourne
“A Break In The Clouds: John Muir Beach”, Mixed media. Susie Collingbourne.
Fine Art Photography by Anatoliy Anshin
This photo was taken in July 2019 in a Buddhist temple Meigetsuin (established in the 12th century), Kamakura City, Japan.
It was a finalist artwork at Visual Art Open 2020 and was included in a group exhibition “Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair – Curated Collection”in Chester, UK (due to Covid-19 in 2020 online only).
The reason why I chose this image: the basic premises for the existence of any community are peace, an atmosphere of friendliness, mutual respect, and compassion. I feel this photo embodies all these premises. (Anatoliy)
"Compassion", fine art photograph. Anatoliy Anshin.
Jim Woodman Fine Art
This painting is called Three Neighbours.
It is three croft cottages strung along a hillside in the far north of the Isle of Skye.
In these remote communities, a feeling of togetherness is ever present.
The hostile climate and challenging landscape binds people together in common purpose. (Jim)
"Three Neighbours". Jim Woodman.
Linton59
The painting we have chosen to represent our gallery for the Agora theme is "Kind" by Louisa Corr. The name Kind, is a translation from the German for Child.
The flowers are entwined and joined in close proximity, representing togetherness, support and compassion. The overall effect of the painting, generated by the warmth of the palette and the positioning of the flowers grouping and commuting together, is uplifting, joyful and reassuring.
"Kind". Louisa Corr.
Saltwater Gallery, Arran
"The surfing community in Scotland is very strong and people of all ages and backgrounds often gather together at breaks to share their love of the ocean and surfing.
I have spent many days chatting in the line-up and chewing the fat whilst bobbing around out back, watching the sun go down.
Extending beyond the waves, I have made lifelong friends and now work with other creative surfers and ocean lovers.
There is definitely a sense of community amongst surfers and out on the waves it is often a centre of athletic, artistic, social and spiritual life - just like the Greek word ‘Agora’" (Senja)
"Board Meeting". Senja Brendon.
SMS Gallery
A group of young women, dressed in elaborate, flowing gowns adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colours, twirled gracefully on a sunlit meadow.
Their laughter echoed through the air as they danced together, their movements synchronized in a beautiful display of unity.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and a palpable sense of love, as they celebrated their bond and the warmth of their shared community.
The dance was not just a celebration but a testament to their deep connection and the cherished moments they created together.
"Circle of friends", acrylics on canvas. Innocent Chikezie.
Synergy Fine Art
Tara Winona’s Trees of Life are a symbol of hopes and dreams, a celebration of humanity - a reminder that we are all connected on this small planet we share.
Symbolising the cycle of life and our infinite links to nature and each other, the trees are in homage to those that came before and those who walk after, to those who have helped and inspired us.
Creating the initial tree design is a long process. She sketches, then pen and inks the initial design, exploring the communication and interaction between the bodies.
‘My father was a Zen Buddhist and spoke often of the seen and unseen ways we influence and touch each others’ lives. I have always been fascinated and profoundly inspired by this. How one act of kindness can have huge and lasting effects.’ (Tara Winona)
"Tree of Life - Delta", unique work. Tara Winona.
THH Gallery
The picture bursts with vibrant colours capturing a lively small harbour teeming with activity. Large and small working and leisure boats, their bright hues reflecting on the calm waters, are docked alongside wooden piers.
People of all ages are now out and about they fill the scene, engaging in joyful conversations, fishing, and leisurely strolls. Children run along the docks, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the bustling marketplace nearby, where stalls display fresh seafood and handmade crafts.
The sun bathes the entire scene in a warm, golden light, enhancing the vivid blues, reds, and yellows that dominate this depiction of a close-knit, thriving community.
"We are nothing without our Community", Tony Huggins-Haig
Vibrant Art
"My beautiful painting of Buchanon, a highland cow on linen canvas connects deeply with the theme of 'agora,' drawing on the ancient Greek concept of assembly and community.
In the wild, Highland cows are not solitary creatures; they thrive in the company of their herds, symbolizing unity, strength, and the collective spirit.
The majestic presence of this Highland cow represents not just an individual, but an embodiment of communal bonds, much like the gathering of people in an agora.
This work captures the essence of belonging, highlighting the interdependence and shared existence that define both human and animal communities."
"Buchanon". Louise Luton.
