Paisley Art Institute at The Maclaurin Gallery

Friday night saw a great turn out at the opening of the Degree Show for NEW MEDIA ART course at University of the West of Scotland. It's a super show of work currently on in the Patrons Gallery, running until the 5 May.

TEMPUS FUGIT - PETER HOWSON A PLAYLIST FOR FIONNBARR - FRANK MCFADDEN Two stunning new exhibitions will open at the Maclaurin on Saturday 30th March. Peter Howson’s TEMPUS FUGIT is displayed to advantage in the two largest galleries, giving space for the work to breathe. Howson, who is the Patron of the gallery, has produced some exceptional work, much of it brand new. The title in its true translation of the Latin reminds us that time passing can never be regained. There is a real clarity about the artist’s intention in this work. It is not always comfortable viewing - crowds, fighting, fire, despair, all with a strong political awareness but at the same time communicating the personal fear and angst Howson needs to share with us. Given the times in which we live we can all relate to this theme. Howson reminds us of this message, to which we need to pay heed. It is very fitting that Howson and McFadden should be exhibiting at the same time. They met many years ago when McFadden approached Howson about his work. Howson saw the potential and they have worked closely ever since. McFadden’s A PLAYLIST FOR FIONNBARR is quirky and visually fascinating, often very beautiful in an unexpected way. On one level the work is very much a personal exploration, advice from a grandfather to a grandchild - namely that the arts are important, as is the ability to think for yourself. However, a closer inspection reveals so much more. McFadden is telling us that we cannot live without the arts, they are not some sort of add-on or a pleasant diversion, they are essential. They provide a harbour from the hazards and horrors of the world. That said, he also reminds us of our own mortality, calling attention to a finite amount of time we possess to make up our own minds.