By Bernie Bell

During the worst of the Covid crisis many people have missed being able to visit art galleries – either their local galleries, or the grander establishments! 

I’m sure that the folk who manage the galleries – choosing what to exhibit, placing these works to best effect, producing a stimulating experience for the visitor – have also missed this role of art in their lives. 

The people at the Talbot Rice Gallery in Edinburgh https://www.eca.ed.ac.uk/facility/talbot-rice-gallery are no exception, and are delighted to be able to open their doors again on Tuesday 18 May whenthe Gallery will present the long-awaited launch of The Normal, which has been curated in real time, andis a vivid reflection of life during the pandemic. 

Through artworks that express hope, grief, survival, violence and solidarity, the exhibition situates our lived experience within a global artistic dialogue.

Artists are exploring ideas about pausing the train of progress, resurgent communities, an ever-increasing proximity between humans and wildlife and the asymmetrical effects of this pandemic due to socio-economic and racial inequality. All of this remains underscored by the need for a profound re-orientation towards planetary health following the loud wake-up call.

As they prepare to re-open, the Gallery has made a series of changes to help keep both visitors and staff safe. This includes implementing a booking system with timed entry slots, and a new one-way route through the galleries.

The gallery will look familiar but different: a receptionist at the ground floor will check you in, and once in the gallery you will be following a one-way route, exiting down stairs that leave from the Georgian Gallery and into the Quadrangle of the Old College.

You will be required to wear a face covering – but otherwise everything you love about coming to Talbot Rice Gallery will be the same: friendly volunteer guides will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.  The Gallery has produced a new short guide with a map of the artworks; and there’s a colour image-filled catalogue on sale for those who wish to deep dive into the artworks and what they reveal about the year we have lived through.

Click here to book your ticket and find out more about what to expect from your visit. NB: Tickets are now available until 12 June, with future dates added in due course.

Click here to find out more about the artists and exhibition before you visit.

As #ArtUnlocks throughout Scotland and the UK, the Talbot Rice joins with galleries and museums in celebrating the visual arts and, together with Edinburgh College of Art, will provide a safe and inspiring space for engaging with contemporary culture.