StillLifeNo6 ArtChat - Quarryhill & ManorPark.mp3

Still Life No 6

Artist Craigie Aitchison (Edinburgh, Scotland, 1926 - 2009)

Date1974

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 55.5 cm, Width: 45 cm
Frame: Height: 77.1 cm, Width: 67 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1975.

LocationOn Display - Gallery 07

Object numberABDAG002282

Keywords

About MeThroughout his painting career, Craigie Aitchison was preoccupied with the subject of the Crucifixion and the mountain peaks of Arran which dominate his compositions. Here, the crucifix is replaced by a burning candle - a traditional symbol of Christian faith. Aitchison's flowers, often single sprigs, are simplified beyond identification and float against a rich backdrop of flat colour.

Aitchison has been described as an austere and puritanical artist. These qualities no doubt owe something to his Scottish upbringing but also, perhaps, to his training at the Slade School of Art in London, where the Quaker notions of honest sobriety and factual observation were regarded most highly. These qualities, when combined with Aitchison's intense sense of colour, enabled him to create throughout his career a series of remarkable paintings. He is one of the few 20th century artists who could paint moving religious paintings. Equally, his still lifes, pure, grave and emotive, can often be deeply spritual.

As part of Aberdeen Art Gallery’s plus music playlists, Art Chat is an engaging series of short audio interpretations offering children’s perspectives of individual artworks. Young peoples’ voices are an integral part of the community and we wanted to offer primary aged learners the opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions about a selection of artworks from the Aberdeen Art Gallery collection.

Learners from Aberdeen’s Quarryhill School and Manor Park School took part in discussions and activities to look for themes, symbols and clues within a selection of artworks. Learners were given the opportunity to work co-operatively with their classmates and gallery staff to explore their thoughts and feelings by responding to real works of art at Aberdeen Treasure Hub. These activities supported creative skills and helped to build learners’ confidence in talking about art.

Alongside the image of this object you can now listen to their interpretation of Aitchison's work.

More About Me

Collections Wall

This painting feels joyful with the bright candle taking centre stage. The flower in the foreground looks like it is jumping for joy with its arms in the air.

Exhibitions

Gallery 07 - Exploring Art