Ruth Ewan, Magic Words 2020
Ruth Ewan revisits her Sympathetic Magick (2018) project, where she invited magicians to consider how they might use their magic to change the world!
About Ruth Ewan, Magic Words 2020
Ruth Ewan, Magic Words (Ian, Margaret, Peggy), 2020. Image courtesy of the artist.
Ruth Ewan revisits her Sympathetic Magick (2018) project, where she invited magicians to consider how they might use their magic to change the world; with an online presentation of her short film, Worker’s Song Storydeck (devised with magician Billy Reid), and a special poster series Magic Words (Ian, Margaret, Peggy) devised with magician Ian Saville, calling upon all of us to join together in a ‘mass action for the radical transformation of society’.
Ewan's posters can be found at poster sites across the city, including: Meadowbank; Royal Mile; Murrayfield Stadium; Potterow and Easter Road.
---
The background image of these posters show a detail of a toy diorama made by JC Clark around 1825 from the collection of Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood. The overlaid text on this version of the artwork is an edited version of magician Ian Saville’s spell as featured in Sympathetic Magick in 2018. One version is hand written by Ian, one by my mum and one by my 7 year old daughter.
A long adopted symbol of hope and sexual liberation, who would’ve foretold rainbows would become so abundant in 2020? During our lockdown ‘daily exercise’, our kids would shout out as they spotted them around our community, each one a reassuring hand crafted signal to pedestrian passers by.
I once interviewed an extraordinary woman at the side of her hospital bed in Mile End Hospital, east London. Her eyesight was poor and she pulled me in very closely to listen to her story. She told me she was one of the first women to give birth under the newly formed NHS of 1948. When she arrived home from hospital with her new baby, a letter was waiting for her, saying her previous maternity charges had been written off. She cried with joy. She was still struggling with debt from having had a stillborn baby the year before.
It is said we are all products of the times we live through. Could these dark days give way to a new transformation of society within our lifetimes? Ruth Ewan
GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.Other Events at Various Venues or Edinburgh Art Festival
Ray Harryhausen - Titan of Cinema
This exhibition is in collaboration with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation to celebrate what would have been film special effects superstar Ray Harryhausen's 100th birthday year.
Read more
Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light
This major retrospective, the most comprehensive display of Charles H. Mackie’s work in over a century, showcases the breadth of his creative vision and talents.
Read more
Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay
This major exhibition at City Art Centre focuses on the maritime theme in Ian Hamilton Finlay's work. It was a central element of his art, and one to which he returned throughout his life.
Read more
Islander: the Paintings of Donald Smith
This is the first major exhibition Donald Smith's work, in partnership with An Lanntair, Stornoway and is part of Edinburgh Art Festival 2021.
Read more
Similar events you might like...
Print Your Own Silk Scarf or Tie
This four hour, short printing course knows no bounds and only cares about you creating something special and going home with something beautifully wearable.
Read more
Ocean Terminal Market
Ocean Terminal Market is a fantastic and fun weekend market has a great range of arts, crafts, food and drinks!
Read more
Macramé Workshop
Spend a relaxing afternoon in the studio learning fun and addictive macramé techniques as you knot your own plant hanger at this workshop run by The Edinburgh Sewcial Club!
Read more
The Light Through the Trees and on the Water
Create paintings expressing light in landscape and explore the addition of figures for symbolism and depth with artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb at this workshop inspired by Charles Hodge Mackie!
Read more
Newhailes Market
Come along to Newhailes monthly market where you'll find a fine selection of handmade goods; from jams and chutneys to pies and candles!
Read more
Incoming: New Acquisitions at the City Art Centre
Incoming: New Acquisitions at the City Art Centre presents a selection of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculpture acquired within the last ten years.
Read more
Yemen: Pathways to Peace
An online evening of music, film & debate with Yemeni artists & human rights defenders exploring how art & culture contributes to peacebuilding is taking place on 21st September.
Read more
Holyrood Art Club Annual Exhibition
Join Holyrood Art Club in Greyfriars Kirk for their later than usual Annual Exhibition. Around 60 Club members will show approximately 200 paintings in all mediums and entry is free!
Read more
Family Event: Poetic Neon Signs
Inspired by maritime themes in our Ian Hamilton Finlay exhibition, Create your own poetic neon sign using paint!
Read more
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links
