A number of georgraphic 'island'-like shapes floating on a bright red backdrop. This work was included in the 2024 Glasgow Print Exhibition, 'Keyline' curated by Claire Forsyth & Kristina Royer.
Sam Ainsley is an artist and teacher and until 2005 was Head of the MFA Programme at Glasgow School of Art. She has forged a remarkable career within the visual arts sector nationally and internationally. From 1985-1991 she taught on the Environmental Art programme under David Harding’s leadership when she then co-founded the Master of Fine Art course. She has since worked collaboratively with David Harding (ex-Head of Environmental Art at GSA) and Sandy Moffat (ex-Head of Painting at GSA) as AHM (Ainsley, Harding, Moffat) on symposia and other events in the visual art world and continues to work independently in her studio. She is a respected and published spokeswoman for the visual arts and her own artwork is in a number of public and private collections nationally and internationally. Ainsley has contributed to a broad range of visual art initiatives in Scotland and has served as a Board member on many arts organisations. She has exhibited in and curated independent exhibitions and undertaken residencies in numerous institutions and arts organisations across the USA, Australasia, Europe and the UK. In 2017, Ainsley was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy and was inducted into the 'Outstanding Women of Scotland' by the Saltire Society. Glasgow School of Art awarded Ainsley an Honorary Doctorate (D.Litt) for her contribution to art in 2018.
In this monoprint, The New Europe, Ainsley employed screenprinting to create floating, autonomous islands in a sea of red. Perhaps in reaction to Thatcher’s poll tax and other issues of the day, The New Europe resonates with feelings of isolation related to Brexit, current anti-colonial sentiments and Scotland’s exploration of independence.
