Tuesday 16 April 2013

The Red Door Gallery presents Tommy Perman, Leith in Black and Red, April 25th, 7.30 pm


Tommy Perman is an artist who challenges you to notice and delight in the details of the design decisions that surround you.  “Leith in Black and Red” is a folio of prints which boasts a bold red and black palette and continues his series of sought-after studies of urban areas.  Tommy explores Leith’s characterful streets and the idiosyncratic design choices made by shop owners, town planners and the local residents alike.  This subtle playfulness is spelt out most clearly as he gleefully highlights the unique, nameless shop signage reading “Bacon Rolls Etc”.

“Brusnwick Street Stairs” (above) was once a busy access point to the local post office depot intended to transport the public, parcels and Posties safely to and from the building, but the foliage has overgrown creating a treacherous path.  Throughout the exhibition, re-appropriation, protection and faded glory become apparent themes: the heavily safe-guarded yet derelict property with welcoming signage; the deliberate and practical modifications made to listed buildings which contradict their original aesthetic or function.  The artist’s own design decisions are carried out with the same scrutiny he reflects in his work.  This exhibition includes a variety of print techniques, paper types, editioning procedures and application of his work.  Including some limited edition skateboards printed in collaboration with FOCUS, a superb local skate shop.  Alongside his new works, we will be exhibiting a handful of pieces from his wider collection of studies, including depictions of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and buildings in the surrounding East End of Glasgow. All works available from www.ediburghart.com from April 27th and prices start at £15 for a poster of “Brunswick Street Stairs”.

Leith is a district in the north of Edinburgh.  Once a busy industrial port, Leith is now packed with local businesses, restaurants and bars and is home to a cross section of Edinburgh’s population including artist, designer and musician, Tommy Perman.  Tommy graduated from Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen, in 2002, since which time he helped established FOUND, an art collective and band who have received numerous awards including Creative Scotland’s Vital Spark Award, a Scottish BAFTA and The List Award for outstanding contribution to Scottish art in 2011.   As a solo artist Tommy has exhibited widely around the UK as well as Holland, USA and Canada.  Tommy recently left FOUND to concentrate on his own artwork and to spend time with his son Patrick who was born on 18 January 2013.



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