Spring Exhibition 2010

Edinburgh’s newest gallery’s spring exhibition presents an outstanding selection of work by Scottish-based artists as well as one or two pieces from future exhibitors that contrast and complement their neighbours. The show encompasses a range of work, from photography and painting, to ceramics and sculptural resin, which lends it an air of surprise and variety.

Michael Wildman’s ‘Crouching Woman’ series (inspired by Rodin’s piece of the same name) depicts nude models within areas of the Scottish landscape, accompanied by text written by the models. This use of text widens the gaze to include the process with the result that the viewer is brought closer to the works. Wildman’s series is playfully placed next door to the unnerving paintings and giclee prints by Hendry, which depict bare and carnivalesque figures in varying states of mental undress.

Elsewhere, the large scale ceramics by Philomena Pretsell are nicely complemented by Jillox’s stand out plaster piece ‘Hare Creature’, and lead the visitor calmly into a back room filled with contemporary Sarah Wilson’s relics set in resin. The overwhelming impression is a cohesive group show where attention is evenly dispersed amongst the exhibitors, and with the promise of more to come Axolotl can be sure of a continued audience for its carefully chosen showcases.

Axolotl, Edinburgh, until Sat 1 May