THE National Galleries of Scotland will showcase a video portrait of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
The portrait created by Scottish artist Graham Fagen is viewable for free at the Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh and was filmed in the building’s great hall.
Fagen was inspired by Palmer after witnessing his speeches at public events and wanted to immortalise his spirit and personality.
He has set out to "break boundaries" with the format of the portrait.
Fagen's work explores how national and personal identity are created and developed by the cultures around them.
He is also a professor of fine art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design..
Fagen worked with reggae musician Ghetto Priest, with whom he had previously collaborated on the Slave’s Lament video exhibition, to create the soundtrack for his work.
He said: “I was extremely honoured to work with Sir Geoff in order to make an artwork that shares his life and work. Geoff’s life is one that has profoundly influenced and shaped the world we live in today.”
Palmer, 83, was Scotland’s first Black professor, gaining the title in 1989.
He has been recognised for his humanitarian and scientific work and was knighted in 2014.
Palmer has spoken in depth about Scotland's historic links to the slave trade and his life growing up in Jamacia.
The grandchild of slaves himself, Palmer has shared his insight into contemporary Scotland with thousands of people.
Exhibiting a bracelet featuring the flag of Jamacia, the portrait work sees him discuss these topics, and addresses his proud links to his homeland and academic success in the Scottish capital.
Palmer said: “We cannot change the past, but we can change consequences such as racism for the better using education. I hope my portrait can help bring awareness to these matters.”
Palmer is currently the chancellor of Heriot-Watt University.
Sir John Leighton, director-general of National Galleries of Scotland, said: “We are proud to display Graham’s wonderfully moving portrait of Sir Geoff Palmer.
“This work recognises Sir Geoff’s many achievements and is an important acquisition that we are delighted to welcome into Scotland’s national collection.”
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