LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Fragile Futures

Fragile Futures explores the beauty of glacial structures whilst also reflecting a more generalised sense of loss and the urgency of taking action to protect our fragile eco systems.

Fragile Futures

About Fragile Futures

Jude Nixon and Mary Walters are visual artists living near the sea in Portobello, Edinburgh. As a result of their individual travels to Northern realms, they have become aware of the impact of climate change and rising sea levels not only on Arctic regions, but also on their own coastal locality.

Both artists have travelled to the seas of the north of Norway, where the annual rise in sea temperature is having a major impact on the cover of sea-ice, both on its extent and on its thickness. Warm and salty Atlantic water is extending its reach northward into the Arctic Ocean, interacting with the cold Arctic water, resulting in the Arctic Ocean becoming warmer and saltier. This process of ‘Atlantification’ means increasing loss of sea-ice, pushing parts of Arctic towards a climate ’tipping point’. Arctic sea-ice keeps the polar regions cool and helps moderate global climate. Sea-ice has a bright surface; 80 percent of the sunlight that strikes it is reflected back into space. As sea-ice melts in the summer, it exposes the dark ocean surface. Instead of reflecting 80 percent of the sunlight, the ocean absorbs 90 percent of the sunlight. The oceans heat up and Arctic temperatures rise further.

Both artists are intrigued by the beauty of ice travelling in the sea – its shapes, its qualities of light, movement, structure and translucency, its manifestations as huge cracked pancakes, vast extents of smooth weight-bearing platforms, floating fragments from small flotsam to vast icebergs.

Jude Nixon’s work reflects her interest in non traditional materials including pigments, graphite, gesso, size and varnishes. Drawing is the medium through which she researches and collects material, making detailed observational studies in the field. In the studio, she moves into a more abstract interpretation, drawing on her emotional and instinctive responses to the subject. Essentially her work is process driven, balancing expressive energy with sensitivity to detail.

Mary Walters works mainly in print and mixed media, with her key inspiration coming from wild landscapes, their geology and geomorphology. Several opportunities to undertake residencies in Svalbard have inspired her recent explorations of ice as a medium for artistic expression. Mary tends to let the ideas she wishes to express dictate the media she works in – hence a wide array of experimentation often takes place.

Against the background of COP26 in Glasgow, Fragile Futures explores the beauty of glacial structures whilst also reflecting a more generalised sense of loss and the urgency of taking action to protect our fragile eco systems.

Sponsored Links

Other Events at Upright Gallery

Structure : Meaning

9th March 2024 - 29th March 2024

Structure : Meaning brings together two Scottish printmakers, Benet Reid and Richard Marsden to Upright Gallery in March!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Similar events you might like...

Warhol After Hours

Warhol After Hours

Selected dates between 28th February 2024 - 15th May 2024

Step into the vibrant world of Warhol After Hours at Dovecot Studios! This exclusive event offers a fusion of socialising and art appreciation against the backdrop of Warhol’s groundbreaking works.

READ MORE
Art Exhibition: Immortals

Art Exhibition: Immortals

30th March 2024 - 14th April 2024

An exhibition of drawings by Janice Deary, inspired by Daoist poetry, is taking place at Wasps Patriothall from 30th March.

READ MORE
Edinburgh Science Festival: Snippets of Scotland

Edinburgh Science Festival: Snippets of Scotland

30th March 2024 - 14th April 2024

In this indoor mini-exhibition at Dynamic Earth, take a journey through Scotland's geological past!

READ MORE
Edinburgh Science Festival: It’s Still a Wonderful Webb

Edinburgh Science Festival: It’s Still a Wonderful Webb

30th March 2024 - 14th April 2024

An outdoor exhibition of the latest awe-inspiring images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope.

READ MORE
Treasures of the National Library of Scotland

Treasures of the National Library of Scotland

30th March 2024 - 30th April 2025

The National Library of Scotland's permanent exhibition provides a unique insight into Scotland’s history, culture and people and its place in the world.

READ MORE
Lost and Found Collective Animation Exhibition

Lost and Found Collective Animation Exhibition

2nd April 2024 - 6th April 2024

This is an exhibition of short films and pre-production work by 3rd year students at Edinburgh College of Art.

READ MORE
Warhol Family Craft Morning

Warhol Family Craft Morning

5th April 2024 - 12th April 2024

Enjoy a visit to Andy Warhol: The Textiles during Dovecot Studios drop-in Family Craft Mornings.

READ MORE
The Lothians Model Railway Show 2024

The Lothians Model Railway Show 2024

6th April 2024 - 7th April 2024
Kirknewton

Join Pentland Model Railway Group for their 2nd annual model railway exhibition on 6th & 7th April in St Mary’s Church Hall, Dalmahoy!

READ MORE
Debut :: Inaugural Open

Debut :: Inaugural Open

6th April 2024 - 27th April 2024

&Gallery is delighted to host our inaugural open call exhibition, showcasing thirty-eight artist representing a spectrum of disciplines from across the globe!

READ MORE

Find other events in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Taylor’s Of Edinburgh Present: Dalkeith Mega Value Carnival
Taylor's Of Edinburgh return to Kings Park, Dalkeith with their Mega Value Fun Fair from Friday 22nd March to Monday 1st April!
Hamilton
The multi award-winning cultural phenomenon 'Hamilton' is touring the UK for the very first time and is coming to the Festival Theatre for a 9 week season from 28th February 2024!
Botanics Easter Trail
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s (RBGE) Easter trail returns for another year, inviting families to join the hunt for the Easter bunny’s golden egg.
Health Benefits of Drinking Moderately: Too Good to be True?
Professor Stockwell will present the latest evidence of the effect of moderate drinking on our cardiovascular health at this hybrid event at Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh on 17th April.
Lush Edinburgh Easter Party
Come visit Lush Edinburgh this Easter for a fun filled Easter Party. Activities include Bath Bomb Making, Easter Egg Hunt, Party Games & More!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall