Glasgow’s art scene offers plenty of opportunities to discover everything it has to offer. Whether you’re into fine art, fashion, or more quirky art, we’ve gathered the most noteworthy exhibitions in and around Glasgow to see for the rest of 2024.
1. Dancing Wave: the longest mural in Glasgow
Stretching a whopping 1,000 metres, Dancing Wave is officially the longest outdoor mural in Glasgow. Running along River Clyde, the mural starts at The Clydeside Community Garden and finishes at Castlebank Street next to Riverside Museum. Different artworks are connected by a long white line appearing as a wave, painted by both Scottish and international artists trying out “specialist materials, endangered crafts, and cutting-edge technologies.” The exhibition is here until April 21.
2. Through Line: Connecting the Collection
The semi-permanent Gallery 2 at the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art is hoping to inspire new conversations by connecting artwork with literally anything. “These connections can be anything from the geographical location of the artists, or the artworks’ subjects to materials, colour, themes, context, or even the differences between them.”
3. Alasdair Gray: Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties
While this is not an extensive exhibition, Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum has recently acquired the famous Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, one of Alasdair Gray’s most iconic works and what he said was his “best big oil painting”. “This painting is a remarkable addition to our collection of works by the legendary Alasdair Gray. It is a powerful image of Glasgow by an artist with strong links to the city and belongs in a public collection where Glaswegians and visitors can enjoy it.”, said
Bailie Annette Christie, chairperson of Glasgow Life. Go see it for yourself in the Looking at Art gallery!
4. Sam Ainsley – Wednesday is Cobalt blue, Friday is Cadmium red
Wednesday is Cobalt blue, Friday is Cadmium red at the Gallery of Modern Art is Sam Ainsley’s first huge exhibition in Glasgow in around 30 years. The Glasgow-based artist has brought acrylic paintings, framed prints, shaped acrylic canvas works and a wall drawing into one place, showcasing Ainsley’s best works. The exhibition is here until June 30, 2024, representing the artist’s personality and culmination of work with over 50 years of experience.
5. The Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is a modern museum that permanently hosts 225 displays spread across 24 galleries of around 9,000 works. The collection is known for excellent pieces of Chinese art, stained glass, and noteworthy tapestries, as well as its fine art. What is more, The Burrell Collection was named ‘Museum of the Year‘ by the annual Art Fund in July 2023, recognising the efforts of the six-year-long renovation. The entry is free, and guests should make sure to set aside plenty of time to properly explore all the exhibitions at the large Glasgow museum.