Young Scottish artist holds first pop art exhibition this weekend

A young artist will bring her stories of travel and poverty, together with the vibrant culture of Asia, to a pop art exhibition, which opens on Friday 23 October 2015 at Ocean Terminal.

Abi Baikie, 27 years old and originally from North Berwick, studied Fine Art at Duncan Jordanstone College of Art & Design. After her studies in August 2015, Abi embarked on a journey of artistic discovery when she travelled in India. There she gained inspiration for her artwork from the electrifying culture, people and the extreme poverty she witnessed.

The talented artist – who has an undeniable passion for travelling – will exhibit her work as part of The Image Collective at Ocean Terminal, an organisation that supports both well-known and first time exhibiting artists. Artists exhibiting in the past have included Jim Mackintosh’s photographic exhibition.

Abi said: “I’m really excited to hold my first pop art exhibition in Leith, and reveal some of my latest pieces that have been inspired by my recent travels.

“I took lots of photographs when I was in India, and these will form the basis of the imagery in some of my artwork. I really enjoy working with stencils, spray paints, rollers and inks and making vivid and bold backgrounds. I then use oil paints to create more defined details.

“Although my work focuses on the vibrancy, culture and colours I experienced on my travels, there is also a darker undercurrent running through my work. For example, in my previous artworks based on my experiences when living in Cambodia, I created a series of paintings about the corruption and poverty that is still rife in the country today. I try to address these difficult topics in a neutral manner in my work, to allow the onlooker to make up their own minds on the story behind the painting.”

“I’m very grateful to The Image Collective for giving me this massive opportunity. They have supported so many new and upcoming artists and I’m honoured to be offered the chance to exhibit my work with them.”

In her latest pieces that will be on display at Ocean Terminal, visitors can expect to see the same vibrant, pop art style but with a looser feel to previous works. The new collection will feature painted works that incorporate her personal photographs of local people she met on her travels, and the busy markets and temples she visited earlier this year.

The Impact Arts exhibition, which opens on 23 October 2015, is open to the general public.

You can find out more about Abi’s work by visiting her website.

Submitted by AB