Scotland and Venice – 2003, 2005, 2007
(20 September - 8 November 2008)

Simon Starling ~ Cathy Wilkes ~ Charles Avery

This exhibition highlights the work of one artist from each of the first three Scottish representations at the Venice Biennale in 2003, 2005 and 2007. These three festivals have seen more than thirty artists represent Scotland in Venice. The Biennale was established in 1895, and is considered to be one of the most significant events in international contemporary visual arts.

The last two decades have seen a remarkable growth in the strength and vitality of the visual arts in Scotland. This confidence and ambition is reflected in the commercial vigour of a host of Scottish galleries and underscored by the growing number of artists who choose to train and then continue to work in Scotland. The presentation of Scottish art and artists at the Venice Biennale has further extended the reputation of our creative artists on a world stage.

The artists presented here have all developed growing international reputations for their work.  Cathy Wilkes (Venice 2005) is currently on the short list for this year’s Turner Prize with Simon Starling (Venice 2003) a former winner in 2005.  Charles Avery (Venice 2007) will present a major exhibition of his work at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art this year. 

Scotland and Venice 2003-2007 is a partnership project with the National Galleries of Scotland, Scottish Arts Council and British Council Scotland and is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.