ABOUT THE SSA
A
History - The
Present - Aims of the SSA - The
Annual Exhibition - Help us
The Society of Scottish Artists was founded in 1891, and held its first Annual Exhibition in the Royal Scottish Academy Gallery – then the Royal Institution. Its inaugural catalogue laid forth the SSA’s function as –
"… being formed with a view to holding an Annual Exhibition in Edinburgh, to give inducement to the younger Artists to produce more important and original works by providing hanging space for such works. The opportunity has also been taken to obtain for the Society’s Exhibition examples of all Schools of Modern Art from distinguished living Artists…"
The SSA and the members and government of the RSA enjoyed an uneasy relationship during the early years of the SSA’s existence. The SSA was seen as a "rebellious" and "progressive" group, while the RSA represented the more traditional and conservative stance. After many appeals, however, including some to the Queen and the House of Commons, the SSA secured the use of the RSA galleries for its Annual Exhibition from 1902.
There are few Scottish artists of note who have not, at one time or another, been involved with the SSA, with Presidents including James Cadenhead, Stanley Cursiter, William McTaggart, Edward Gage, George Wyllie and Barbara Rae. The roll call of members and exhibitors is also impressive, including –The Glasgow Boys (Guthrie, McGregor, Walton, Hornel and Roche), the Scottish Colourists (Cadell and Peploe), John Duncan, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and William McTaggart to name but a few.
The SSA also strove to represent the more "adventurous" work being done abroad and so exhibitions included the work of the Post Impressionists, Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse and Van Gogh in 1913 and, in the same year, the Futurist, Gino Severini showed work. In 1922 the Sociey presented work by Picasso, Daumier, Degas and Forain. In 1931, the Society showed, for the first time in the UK, twelve canvases by the then highly controversial Edvard Munch who went on to become a member of the Society.
In 1934 the SSA showed a selection of work by international living artists including Paul Klee. At this exhibition, the Scottish National Gallery bought his "Approaching Snowstorm", which is now on show in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Prices for work then ranged from £35 to £350, with a head in pastel by Picasso costing £210, while framed etchings by Matisse, Picasso and Salvador Dali were available for £5 each.
The SSA has continued in this vein to the present day, always willing to show the controversial, the unique and the most adventurous and challenging work available. Its network of artist members and contacts throughout the world gives it access to some of the most interesting work by contemporary artists, which it endeavours to bring to a Scottish public.
A fully illustrated history of the Society of Scottish Artists can be found in the book, published by the Society in its centenary year, "The First Hundred Years". This book is available from the Society. Please contact the secretary for details.
The SSA today continues in the spirit of its founders, to show the controversial and the unexpected and to give hanging space to new artists of promise. In this spirit, the SSA has recently shown work by artists including Jenny Saville, Peter Howson, Douglas Gordon, winner of the 1996 Turner Prize, and Toby Paterson winner of the 2000 Becks Futures Award.
It also regularly exhibits work from artists drawn from many areas overseas, including the USA, Africa, Europe and Japan. This is part of its continuing drive to establish contacts amongst artists worldwide.
The SSA is still an artist-led membership organisation governed by an elected President and elected Council consisting of twelve members of the Society. Specialist professionals are co-opted onto Council to assist on particular projects.
- To promote the contemporary arts in Scotland by increasing audience and widening access.
- To promote and encourage experimentation and the "adventurous spirit" in Scottish art.
- To empower and inform artists through becoming part of an artist-led organisation and through the provision of training opportunities and discussion forums.
- To provide exhibition opportunities for artists
- To facilitate artist exchanges and communication with international artists and artist groups
- To provide educational projects to encourage a wider understanding and awareness of contemporary art
- To work under a policy of equal opportunities, access and inclusion
The SSA continues its tradition of holding an Annual Contemporary Open Exhibition in the Royal Scottish Academy Gallery (RSA) in Princes Street, Edinburgh. The RSA is one of the most prestigious galleries in the city and has recently undergone a massive programme of refurbishment making it an exhibiting space of international stature. The SSA has proudly returned there after a three year refurbishment project, in December 2003.
Installation, video, computer and performance art alongside a strong core of works in traditional media result in challenging and invigorating shows. In an art-world where the divide between "new genres" and "traditional media" has rarely been wider, the SSA plays a unique and vital role in bridging the gap.
The SSA supports emerging and experimental artists in a number of practical ways. Each year the SSA selects a number of graduating students from the Scottish art college degree shows to exhibit in the Annual Exhibition. It also accepts proposals for installations and performance events selected through open submission.
As an artist run organisation, the SSA is financed only through its members with occasional institutional support for special projects such as education events. As a result, the Society is constantly under threat due to lack of funds.
The SSA appeals to all potential supporters to contact us to help us to continue to build on our illustrious past and provide a continuing platform for the artists of today. Any contribution of cash or kind, however small, is valued by us. Please contact:
Noreen Sharkey Paisley
Wemyss
Avenue
Newton Mearns
Glasgow
G77 6AR
Tel: 0141 616 2566
email: ssa@tangledwebs.co.uk
Join the SSA
- Join an active network of artists
- Join an artist-run Society
- Be part of a society which has consistently been at the cutting edge of artistic developments in Scotland
- Receive details of all-member opportunities for exhibitions and special projects
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Information about the Annual Contemporary Open
- Season and complimentary tickets for the Annual Contemporary Open. Invitations to SSA private views
- Right to vote for President, Council and Exhibition selection and hanging committees
- Join a Society which is part of the living tradition of all that is best in Scottish art
Click here for membership information
A History - The Present - Aims of the SSA - The Annual Exhibition - Help us