Titled in homage to the artist’s father, John is a new commission by Glaswegian artist and curator Thomas Abercromby. Centred around a film installation of the same name, Thomas has collaborated with an all-working-class cast and crew to explore the intricate ties between family, grief and the multifaceted layers of social class. John raises the question: how do we navigate spaces not designed for us?
The film juxtaposes childhood paintings made by Thomas' late father with opulent gallery interiors, and painterly images of peripheral urban landscapes of the artist's youth. These are seamlessly intertwined with behind-the-scenes moments that expose the subjectivity of the cast and crew themselves, and the work that has gone into the production of John. The film not only challenges traditional artistic norms but also invites audiences to confront and reflect upon the spaces and narratives that are often left uncharted in the art world.
Presented as part of Satellites Programme.
Satellites is Collective’s development programme for emergent practitioners based in Scotland. The 2022/23 participants are Thomas Abercromby, Rabindranath X Bhose, Kaya Fraser and Matty Rimmer.
Image credit: Thomas Abercromby, John, video still, 2023. Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Daniel Hughes. Featured: Julia Lau and Nevil Jose.
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.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? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Collective Edinburgh's Panorama programme takes inspiration from the origins of the panorama to explore how we see, move through and understand the city today.
READ MOREHighland Embassy brings together three projects by artist and filmmaker Shen Xin and is showing at Collective Edinburgh from October to December 2025.
READ MORE
OOSOOM Uncovered is a unique opportunity to engage with the Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition’s Planning Group and volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join!
READ MORE
Come along to Leith Makers on Friday 7th November for the Open Reception of Synaesthesia, an interactive photography exhibition by Ben Lesko!
READ MORE
The Bridge Pottery Collective presents the work of its members in MOVEMENT, an exhibition exploring the dynamics of ceramics. Catch it at Scot-ART from 8th - 15th November!
READ MORE
Diaspora in vogue is a cultural exhibition and amazing fashion show involving talented fashion designers and creatives and young models, taking place at Ladywell House on 8th November.
READ MORE
Join Jill de Fresnes, Christine Kydd and Patsy Seddon to celebrate the launch of the Silver, Salt and Stories exhibition, running at the Scottish Storytelling Centre during November.
READ MORE
Join us at The Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport on 8th & 9th November when the Edinburgh HI-AV Show returns!
READ MORE
Come along to Patriothall in Stockbridge for an exhibition of paintings by Gerry McGowan, recently selected as a finalist for the Scottish Landscape Awards 2025.
READ MORE
The exhibition by Jill de Fresnes is centred around filmed interviews with 12 Scottish women who worked as herring gutters from the 1920s through to the 1960s.
READ MORE
In Bodies of Work (in progress), Méabh Breathnach uses ceramics, metal and the body as materials, tools, and sources of inspiration in the creation of both sculptural and functional objects.
READ MORE