Shetland Museum unveils Twenty Shades of Blue in new art exhibition inspired by Shetland’s Seascapes

Shetland Museum is delighted to announce the opening of an inspiring new exhibition, Twenty Shades of Blue, in the Gadderie space this Saturday.

This latest display celebrates the dramatic and ever-changing extremes of Shetland’s seascapes through the eyes of local artist Sam Davies, whose deep connection to the sea has shaped his artistic vision for decades.

Twenty Shades of Blue features over 50 oil canvases each by Sam Davies, who has called Shetland home since the 1970s. His connection with the sea, honed over years as an inshore fisherman, is evident in his work. "It is the inspiration for most of my paintings. It can be powerful or gentle, rough or calm, but it is always beautiful and mesmerising.”

Visitors to the exhibition will experience the many moods of the sea, from the tranquil to the tumultuous, as seen through Sam’s distinctive style.

Sam continues: “Many people have told me that they can hear the sea when they look at my paintings. To me, this is the best compliment they can pay me. I hope that everyone who sees the exhibition finds a painting that evokes a memory. It might be the night the boat didn’t sail, and you were thankful, or the day you took your children to the beach, or maybe just the hour you spent watching the waves.”

Karen Clubb, exhibitions officer at Shetland Museum and Archives said: “This is the second time we have had the privilege of sharing Sam’s work at the museum. His ability to capture Shetland’s unique weather and seascapes resonates deeply with those who live in Shetland, and those who simply love the sea. We believe this exhibition will be especially meaningful for anyone with a connection to Shetland.”

All pieces are available for sale. The exhibition will be on display until Saturday 14 September.

Download poster here (pdf).

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