ONE of Scotland’s most famous poets is depicted as you’ve never seen him before – in a massive 3D artwork.
Hugh MacDiarmid stars in a huge installation by artist Calum Colvin as part of a new exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh.
Colvin, whose unique portraits incorporate sculpture, photography and painting, has previously depicted Robert Burns and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
His latest piece, which is not yet complete, forms part of the Ages of Wonder show, which runs until January and celebrates the history of Scottish art at the RSA.
Colvin began work on the portrait last month, and aims to complete it before Christmas.
It includes a letter by the writer, whose real name was Christopher Murray Grieve, as well as items given by members of the public, such as a book.
The Dundee University professor said working on the piece in a public space has helped him connect with audiences. He said: “I normally work alone in a dark studio but it’s been great meeting people and chatting to them as they pass and I’ve been able to explain the creative process.”
As the largest collections exhibition ever mounted by the RSA, the show includes more than 450 works by upwards of 270 artists and architects, including painter Alison Watt and Turner Prize nominee Callum Innes.
It reunites artworks that were transferred to the national collection in the National Galleries of Scotland in 1910 and also features Jacopo Bassano’s 1540 work The Adoration of the Magi.
The Scottish Poetry Library calls Langholm-born MacDiarmid the country’s “most influential and controversial writer” of the 20th century.
Described as an “eccentric and often maddening genius” by fellow poet Edwin Morgan, he is perhaps best known for long-form modernist work A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle, which takes on issues related to the nation and the human condition.
He died in Edinburgh in 1978, having written extensively in both Scots and English.
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