SCOTTISH artist Bernie Reid, whose work has been exhibited in some of the world’s leading galleries, is serving up his distinct art form to Edinburgh’s foodies with his first major work since lockdown.
Commissioned by The Bon Vivant Group (TBVG), Reid has created a 10-metre-long wall painting for Mexican restaurant El Cartel Roxburgh, which opened earlier this month.
With a Mexican revolutionary theme, the painting’s abstract figures in muted primary colours of red, green and blue, with high spots of bright yellow, create a visual drama that fits the restaurant’s iconic brand.
In keeping with Reid’s graffiti style, which has been recognised by the likes of Duran Duran, Stella McCartney and even Liberty’s of London, the painting uses a mixture of emulsion and spray paint.
The commission for the wall painting follows the overwhelmingly positive response to early works by the artist that have appeared in El Cartel Teviot and Lady Libertine, other The Bon Vivant Group properties. The brief was to create an artwork that reflected the street style and authenticity of the food being served.
Reid said: “This was a fantastic commission coming out of lockdown. El Cartel wanted something reminiscent of the large frescoes by Mexican painter Diego Rivera who helped to establish murals in international art in the early 20th century.
“It was the perfect opportunity for me to bring my graffiti style to an iconic Latin American tradition. It is also quite a challenge to test yourself by painting directly on to a wall. To get the composition right in a way that will attract people’s interest and draw their eyes along the length of the picture.
“I hope diners will be intrigued and that it adds to the ambience and character of the restaurant.”
Reid started his career as an illustrator using purely stencils and spray paint. His work included album sleeves for Duran Duran, and artwork for shops including Stella McCartney and Liberty.
After attending the Edinburgh College of Art (2007-2011), however, he discovered a love for classic 20th century art and began to push this influence forward using his signature style for stencils, spray paint and unconventional materials.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel