The post-war era was a period of seismic shifts – political and social, scientific and cultural. Emerging from the events of the Second World War, communities lived with the legacies of conflict while looking ahead to the future. Contemporary artists responded to these changing times, addressing both traditional and modern themes in their work as they pushed the boundaries of creativity. By the end of the century, the artistic landscape was entirely transformed.
Scheduled to complement John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, this survey exhibition examines the wider context of post-war Scottish art. Charting the years between the late 1940s and late 1990s, it showcases evolving approaches to figurative and landscape subjects, the growth of abstraction and pop art, and the development of new media. Out of Chaos presents a range of artworks from the City Art Centre’s permanent collection, featuring key pieces by William Johnstone, Joan Eardley, Eduardo Paolozzi, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Elizabeth Blackadder and Maud Sulter.
Events Programme
ADULT CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Saturday 28 June, 10.30am - 3.30pm - Joyful Still Lives inspired by Elizabeth Blackadder
Saturday 27 September, 10.30am - 3.30pm - Expressive Landscape Paintings inspired by the work of Joan Eardley
DESCRIBED TOURS AND BSL TOURS
Friday 4 July, 2pm - 3pm - BSL signed Tour of Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000
Friday 19 September, 2pm - 3pm - Described Tour for Blind and Partially Sighted Visitors of Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000
LECTURES AND TALKS
Friday 26 September, 2pm - 3pm - Post War Edinburgh
Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000