Artist Statement
'Alicia Bruce's photographic practice comprises compassionate, figurative compositions based on well-known works of art. Often the source paintings or sculptures which she uses can be found in local collections. By photographically recasting and artistically reinterpreting such work, Bruce brings the history of art into the present. In doing so, her scenes offer a contemporary sociopolitical dimension. In the history of photography one can find others who have worked with such visual intertextuality (for instance Cindy Sherman and Dina Goldstein), but Bruce's work functions in a distinctly Scottish context. The overall aesthetic seems more reminiscent of the work of William Eggleston with its intense colour and matt finish. Bruce believes in her medium as craft - she firmly subscribes to tangible film and print, and prefers her work to be accessed in person. Close-up, the work is strikingly hyper-realistic with its sharp attention to detail. At large, they are powerful, transformative texts which employ strategies of quotation to make pertinent statements about society. Alicia Bruce captures those subtle flickers of idiosyncrasy which make for truly individual portraits.' (Catriona McAra, University of Glasgow
CV & Education
Qualifications and training
2006 - BA (Hons) Photography, Film & Imaging, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland
Solo exhibitions
2013 - Menie: A Portrait of a North East Community in conflict, Chamber Lobby: The Scottish Parliament (This is not a public exhibition), The Scottish Parliament, Hollyrood, Edinburgh, Scotland
2013 - The Valleys Project - Blaenavon Male Voice Choir, Ffotogallery at The Royal Welsh Academy of Music & Drama, Cardiff
2011 - Menie: a portrait of a North East community in conflict, Moray Art Centre, Findhorn, Scotland
2011 - Menie: a portrait of a North East community in conflict, Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen, Scotland
2008 - Alicia Bruce: Artist in Residence 2008, Aberdeen Art Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland
Group exhibitions
2013 - 'diffusion - Cardiff International Photography Festival 2013, Ffotogallery, Cardiff, South Wales
2012 - echt? jetzt! Fotografie. , Kunst- und Gewerbeverein Regensburg , Regensburg, Germany
2012 - Molly Forbes: Paradise, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen, Scotland
2012 - The Gathering: Curated by Rhubarb Rhubarb, Diemar/Noble Gallery, London, England
2011 - Foto8 Summershow, Foto8 Gallery, London, England
2009 - Feedback Loop: after Kenny Hunter, The Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Scotland
2009 - Flood in the Highlands: after Sir Edwin Landseer, City Art Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
Artist talks
2012 - Artist Talk & Panel Discussion, Regensburg Contemporary Photography Symposium, Regensburg, Germany
2012 - The Photograph as Document, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
2011 - ArtBites: The Menie Project, The Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, Scotland
Residencies
2011 - Photographer in Residence | The Valleys Project, Ffotogalley & Blaenavon World Heritage, South Wales
2009 - Artist in Residence , Project Slogan, Aberdeen, Scotland
2008 - Artist in Residence, Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland
