A lively and diverse winter must-see

The Society of Scottish Artists can trace its roots back to 1891 when a group of breakaway rebels met to discuss the formation of a new exhibiting society, unfettered by the strictures and traditions of the Royal Scottish Academy. The SSA held its first show the following year and since then has combined a pioneering spirit with a democratic ethos that encourages younger artists and welcomes the new.

Amid the general doom and gloom that seems to characterise our times, it’s good to see a large, diverse selection of lively, uplifting and often beautiful work at reasonable prices. Under the section “30x30 Affordable Artworks”, it is possible to pick up original pieces by up- and-coming, as well as established, artists. Seraph, an engaging tree study in conté by the wonderful Tansy Lee Moir, will set you back but £200 while Beyond, a shadowy ethereal essay in oil by Niki Sukatorn, can be yours for £110.

A curious, coincidental echo of Lee Moir’s tree fascination can be found in Jennifer Robson’s large graphite work Tree Woman, which melds the botanical with the biological, suggesting that our identification with nature is becoming increasingly complex and important. Similar thoughts accompany Olana Light’s film, photography and sculpture where the human form becomes the landscape, in what she describes as a “search to belong”. Vicki Redpath-Watson, one of 11 recent graduates from Scotland’s five art colleges, who studied at Orkney College, is clearly inspired by her exceptional natural environment; her trademark, massive paper scroll, full of watery symbols, body shapes and handprints, is a tour de force.

Oana Stanciu’s photographs combine self-portraiture with sculpture — the artist moulds and contorts her body into sculptural forms that force the eye to reinterpret her elegant, sophisticated compositions. Judith Shaylor’s embroidery, Rocking my imaginary child in its crib, offers a monstrous, macabre vision seemingly at odds with the medium used to create it.

This show, full of surprises, pleasures and thought-provoking work from artists at all stages of their careers is a midwinter must-see.

Until January 10, s-s-a.org