As the nights draw in and the weather gets that nip in the air, what better way to spend the day than enjoying a glimpse of other lives and exotic places?
The new exhibitions at Gracefield in Dumfries next month do just that… from Saturday 31 October in Gracefield’s Gallery 1 Judah Passow – Jewish Life in Scotland: Identity, Belonging and the Future shows award-winning documentary photographer Judah Passow’s photographic study of contemporary Jewish Life in Scotland. Launched at the Scottish Parliament in February 2014, the exhibition is touring to venues across Scotland, and has just returned from Vilnius in Lithuania, and will also be touring in the USA. The exhibition has been organised by Michael Mail of Tartan Arts who raised support from Creative Scotland and other funders to help with the ambitious tour. The exhibition, featuring 80 black and white photographs, is a remarkable collection of unique images collected over the 2013/14 as Judah travelled throughout Scotland documenting and recording Jewish life, not only in the major centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh, but far beyond in more remote locations – from the Shetlands to the Borders. A part of contemporary culture not often seen, this is a fascinating look into Jewish rituals, traditions and contributions to the wider society – producing a portrait which captures the complexity and diversity of Scottish Jewish life at the beginning of the 21st century.
As a photojournalist Judah has worked on assignments for American and European magazines and newspapers since 1978. His images have been published by the leading broadsheet newspapers including The Times and The Guardian. A winner of four World Press Photo awards for his coverage of conflict in the Middle East, his work has been exhibited all over the world. He is currently based in London. His latest book ‘Scots Jews’ published by Bloomsbury will be available to buy from the exhibition at the special price of £22.50.
Join us for a gallery talk on Saturday 14 November, 1.30pm (end time approx. 3.15pm) when Judah will give a talk about his work and the Scots Jews project together with an introduction to the background to the FIAP Biennial (see below) by its organisers.
Places are free but limited so please book early to avoid disappointment on 01387 262084. Talk duration approx. 1½ hr with Q&A.
The second of the photography exhibitions is the FIAP Biennial Colour Print Exhibition
Which will be running from 7 – 22 November in Gallery 2.
The Federation de L’Art Photographique co-ordinates photographic competitions and exhibitions worldwide and this exhibition, run every two years, brings together the very best amateur photography from many national federations, including Scotland. 27 countries entered and the exhibition was selected by an international panel of illustrious photographers including Rod Wheelans from Dumfries. The top award went to the entry from Argentina with Scotland achieving a medal winning fourth place.
Councillor and chair of Community and Customer Services Tom McAughtrie, commented: “Contemporary photography is always fascinating and these exhibitions will offer something exciting for everyone to enjoy.”
For more details about the all exhibitions, classes for adults and kids, events, Craft Shop and Café Hubbub, please give Gracefield a ring on 01387 262084, visit the website, or see us on Facebook. Admission to Gracefield is free and there is free parking and picnic benches or picnic spots in the ample open grounds.
