18th century secrets revealed by Scots artist who brings ‘new life’ to uprisings
“secret symbolism” of the Jacobite Risings will be set out by leading Scottish artist Calum Colvin as part of a new exhibition being staged in Edinburgh.
The Glasgow-born photographer delves into the complexities of the movement led by Bonnie Prince Charlie which has captured the romantic imagi- nation of Scots for centuries. Colvin, currently a Professor of Fine Art Photography at the University of Dundee, has a series of works on display at the Scottish Parliament entitled Jacobites by Name and will give a talk about the images this month.
“I wanted to take a fresh look at the Jacobite Risings within the ‘Jacobites by Name’ series using a range of different types of contemporary techniques to bring the movement to life in the digital age,” he said. “This talk will explore the complex legacy and secret symbolism of the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 through a body of photographic artworks and objects, and reflects on the cultural alterity of Jacobitism in relation to wider Scottish and British national identity.”
The free talk will take place on Wednesday 16 August from 6–7pm at the Scottish Parliament and will see the artist talk through his inspiration for his striking three-dimensional artworks and objects.
The ‘Jacobites by Name’ series includes distorted photographs that depict the rebellious history of the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745.
The series includes some of Scotland’s most famous historical characters such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora Macdonald and Jacobite supporter Jenny Cameron. The Guy Fawkes mask, a powerful symbol that is still used in worldthe wide protest today, comes to the forefront in many of the pieces. Colvin will also reveal the secret symbolism, riddles and puzzles behind his artwork. The artist will also take audiences behind the scenes of the creative processes and techniques in making the series.
Colvin exhibited nationally and internationally for over thirty years since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1985.