Coastal waters and conservation have inspired a striking new exhibition opening at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, part of High Life Highland.
Shimmering brings together new work by Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) Academicians Anne Bevan and Mary Bourne, running from 22 August to 17 October 2026. Developed as part of RSA200 Celebrating Together, the exhibition explores connections between people, place and the sea through contemporary sculpture, photography, moving image and archival material.
Both artists have strong connections to the ecology of northern Scotland. Shimmering brings together poetic and personal responses to the sea while engaging with urgent contemporary issues, including renewable energy, climate change and the future of coastal ecosystems.
Exploring energy, geology and maritime culture
Orkney-based artist Anne Bevan draws on marine energy research, geology and maritime culture to investigate environmental change and the forces that shape coastal communities.
Anne said: "For me it's been a really satisfying process to explore the connections between older works and newly developed ideas, particularly drawing on the experience of recent residencies connected to renewable energy. It's also been really enjoyable working with the excellent team at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery and with Mary on this exhibition, and now we're looking forward to sharing this with gallery visitors."
A tribute to conservation and biodiversity
Based in Moray, Mary Bourne's new body of work is inspired by the legacy of her father, acclaimed ornithologist and conservationist Dr WRP Bourne. Her pieces examine themes of biodiversity loss, grief, conservation and the vulnerability of living systems.
Mary said: "Working in natural stones, including quartz and dense black Scottish basalt, I have explored the fine lines between light and dark, weight and weightlessness – and life and absence of life. The process of developing this exhibition in conversation with Anne and the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery curatorial team has been deeply enriching, and I am excited to see it come together in the gallery."
A proud moment for the gallery
Kirsten Body, Visual Art Curator at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, said: "We are delighted to be part of this national celebration of Royal Scottish Academy. This exhibition will highlight artists working in rural communities and engaging audiences around issues such as biodiversity loss and renewable energy within the context of a global climate crisis."
Jane Matthews, RSA200 Project Manager, added: "Shimmering reflects the RSA200 Celebrating Together programme's commitment to sharing nationally significant contemporary art with audiences and communities across Scotland."
We are delighted to be part of this national celebration of Royal Scottish Academy... highlighting artists working in rural communities and engaging audiences around biodiversity loss and renewable energy.
Visual Art Curator, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
Join the artists for an exhibition tour
Alongside the exhibition, visitors are invited to join Anne Bevan and Mary Bourne for an informal tour of Shimmering on Saturday 22 August at 2pm. There's no need to book, so just drop in.
Exhibition details
- Exhibition: Shimmering – Anne Bevan RSA & Mary Bourne RSA FRSS
- Dates: 22 August – 17 October 2026
- Venue: Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 7JW
Visit Shimmering this autumn
See new sculpture, photography and archival work exploring the sea and climate change.
