Currently, there are some inspirational photography exhibitions currently taking place both in and outside Scotland. From famous photographers such as Harry Benson down to commended student photographers. There is something for everyone to enjoy and possibly even aspire to. Here are some great photography exhibitions you don't want to miss!
The Beatles and Cassius Clay by Harry Benson 1964 ©Harry Benson
Inspirational Photography Exhibitions
Harry Benson - Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire
A stunning collection of photographs by Harry Benson CBE, one of Scotland’s most celebrated photographers opened at Drum Castle on 22nd April and runs until 3rd December 2017.
Harry Benson: Seeing America is the product of the Glasgow-born photographer’s long career documenting some of the USA’s most famous events and people over the last 50 years.
Since the sixties, Benson has photographed every US president (including the current incumbent), and a whole host of famous faces. Amongst the superstars featured in the exhibition are Dolly Parton, Jackie Kennedy and James Brown.
He also witnessed some of the 20th century’s most momentous events, including the civil rights movement, anti-Vietnam protests and the aftermath of 9/11 and these emotive images feature prominently throughout.
Harry Benson CBE said:
“I am honoured The National Trust for Scotland will host my photographic exhibit “Seeing America" at historic Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire. The exhibit concentrates on photographs taken after I arrived in America with the Beatles in 1964. Curated by my wife, Gigi, and Scottish Parliament’s Fiona McDougall, the exhibit first opened at the Scottish Parliament last September. I am glad the photographs will now be in Aberdeenshire where more people will have the opportunity to see them.”
The exhibition has been loaned to the National Trust for Scotland, the charity that conserves and promotes Scotland’s heritage, by the Scottish Parliament and will be on display at Drum Castle from 22nd April until 3rd December 2017.
Harry Benson: Seeing America is the latest high-profile exhibition to be hosted at historic Drum Castle’s bespoke gallery. The exhibition space was created in a previously unvisited area of the castle, allowing it to host top-quality art exhibitions. Iain Hawkins, the Trust’s General Manager for the North East said: “Over the past few years, Drum Castle has built a reputation for bringing outstanding art to Aberdeenshire, firstly through our partnership with Aberdeen Art Gallery and now with this link up with the Bensons and the Scottish Parliament. These photographs are so powerful and will make a real impression on visitors.”
The 14th-century Tower of Drum is a rare survivor from this period. Together with its Jacobean mansion house and additions by Victorian lairds, Drum Castle is one of Scotland’s most inviting castles. Inside, enjoy superb furniture and fine paintings. The tower battlements offer magnificent views of the Forest of Drum and the countryside beyond. Outside, explore the beautiful Garden of Historic Roses, woodland trails and a children's playground.
NTS Curator Lauren Jackson puts the finishing touches to the Harry Benson: Seeing America exhibition ©Ross Johnston/Newsline Media
Flights into Scotland's Past - Stirling Castle, Stirling
Delve into Scotland's past with a new perspective - Flight's into Scotland's Past an aerial photography exhibition taking place at Stirling Castle, from now until 31st October 2017. Kieran Baxter has aerially photographed a number of historic monuments and landscapes across Scotland, from Shetland to Galloway. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see Scotland!
St Andrews cathedral ©Kieran Baxter
Retina Photography Exhibition, Edinburgh
Retina Photography Exhibition is celebrating its 4th year, run by a team of volunteers who have come together to produce the first annual photography festival in Scotland.
This year's headliners are Hellen Van Meene and Bryn Griffiths. Hellen has her work exhibited at the Guggenheim. There will also be exhibiting at Out of The Blue Drill Hall and The Shutter Hub and The Darkroom, the latter two both being in Ocean Terminal, Leith.
Are you a budding photographer? Would you like a critical eye cast over your work? On the 1st of July, you have an opportunity to gain great insight with a portfolio review for photographers. Then on the 2nd of July will be the second photo marathon. Entrants have a 6-hour slot to take photographs on subjects given out on the day. Good luck!
Diana Gomez - Free Women Exhibition, Ibiza, Spain
Pikes Hotel in Ibiza is proud to announce the upcoming exhibition of celebrity portrait photographer Diana Gomez opening on August 24th 2017
FREE WOMEN is a feminist-driven and auto-biographical show consisting of life-size portraits and outdoor installations inspired by Diana's charismatic, colourful and passionate world. Taking over the grounds, swimming pool and terrace of the Pikes Hotel, FREE WOMEN is an ode to the freedom of expression, to be comfortable in your own skin.
Each photograph is an idealised image of key episodes of Diana's life, altering the surroundings, and adding light to each expression. Pikes Hotel has an evocative history as the playground for the music elite providing a beautifully reflective and thought-provoking setting for Diana Gomez' powerful and upbeat work.
'I am so excited to be collaborating with Diana on this amazing exhibition at Pikes. Ibiza has a community of strong creative women and 'Free Women' represents this perfectly. Pikes is more than just a hotel, it's become a cultural hub and is the perfect setting to exhibit Diana's work' Dawn Hindle, Creative Director of Pikes'.
FREE WOMEN will run alongside a series of events hosted at Pikes Hotel including Primal Scream’s live gig on August 29th, celebrity hairstylist Lyndell Mansfield’s pop-up hair salon, and Diana Gomez' live photo shoot on August 27th.
Limited edition copies of some of the key portraits in the exhibition will be available to buy.
FREE WOMEN is curated by Mia Pfeifer and produced in association with Phillip Creates Studio.
Guests will include top VIP clients, celebrities, stylists, models and editors from magazines in the UK and Europe.
BIOGRAPHY - DIANA GOMEZ
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and developing her photographic career in London for the last 16 years. Diana grew up surrounded by colour and nature in a developing city. Influenced by great filmmakers and her love for humanity, people, nature, music and narratives, Diana’s beautifully lit and colourful images capture a sense of optimism, power and beauty that portrays her sitters in a confident and engaging way.
Her editorial clients include Harpers Bazaar, L’Officiel, Marie Claire, The Sunday Times Style, Emmy Magazine, Hunger, You, Grazia, and ES Magazine. Her advertising clients include Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Arcadia Group, River Island, EMI, Universal, Lancôme, BAFTA, The Olivier Awards, Coca-Cola, Virgin, Warner Brothers, Atlantic Records, and many more. Diana has photographed many personalities in the music, art and film world including Rihanna, Courtney Love, Will.I.Am, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Caroline Vreeland, Rosario Dawson, Grayson Perry, and Virginia Bates, amongst others.
Her charity work includes contributions to organisations such as Shine On Sierra Leone, Cash & Rocket, LdNy Foundation, Wie Network, and The United Nations, amongst others. Diana lives and works between London and LA.
www.dianagomez.com ABOUT PIKES HOTEL
Listed as one of the ‘Top 100 Hotels in the world’ by Sunday Times Travel and winner of ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ by the prestigious White Ibiza Awards for three years running, Pikes hotel is an iconic Ibizan institution, set around sprawling fairytale gardens with a famous aquamarine pool (the location for Wham’s ‘Club Tropicana’ video). Lovingly restored by Andy McKay and Dawn Hindle in 2011 founders of the world-famous Ibiza Rocks brand, Pikes is one of the few places that still represents the authentic, carefree, Balearic spirit of the island combined with an up-to-the-minute new-wave of edgy millennial style.
The hotel was originally created in the late 1970s and for the last few decades Pikes has been a playground for the music elite with regular guests including artists such as Grace Jones, Spandau Ballet, George Michael and Freddie Mercury who held his legendary 41st Birthday Party at the hotel in the infamous ‘Marrakesh Suite’ now known as ‘Freddies’.
Free Women ©Diana Gomez
Any questions/comments? Contact me via email: enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com