We explore the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Glasgow

National World - LocalTV

We head to Glasgow’s most central art gallery.

Transcript

00:00We're at the Goma, the Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exchange Square.

00:05So the building was originally constructed in 1778 by a tobacco lord named William Cunningham

00:12and he made his money from the slave trade, the triangular slave trade.

00:16Its original purpose was that of a townhouse of which he resided.

00:20It was bought over by RBS in 1817.

00:23They turned it into a bank and the facade was later added.

00:26It was designed by the architect David Hamilton who also has notable works including the Hutchison's Hall and the Nelson Statue on Glasgow Green.

00:37So it was purchased by Glasgow District Libraries in 1949 for £105,000 if you can imagine.

00:43But there is still a library in the basement area, a public library.

00:47So now come with us to see what's inside.

00:50So the first floor is dedicated to the history of this building and of Glasgow more generally.

00:55Glasgow museums have really adapted their approach to collecting and commissioning art.

01:00They now feature a social justice programme.

01:03So they regularly exhibit works that deal with social issues.

01:08They also receive regular funding to buy works from international artists.

01:14Which is important because it brings other cultures to the city.

01:18So this is one of my favourite artworks in the entire museum.

01:22It's by an artist called Henry Condracchi.

01:25It was painted in 1991.

01:27A Scottish artist based in Edinburgh.

01:29He takes just people off the street and uses them as inspiration for his art.

01:33So it's very long and protruding.

01:35It's like how he sees people.

01:37I like essentially how their personalities influence the way he sees them physically.

01:44One thing I found really amusing is that before you even get into the displays and stuff,

01:49there's so much about the building itself.

01:51So much art that's been commissioned.

01:53And it takes on a wee journey of its history.

01:57So the building is as acknowledged a piece of art as the stuff they have on display.

02:05This is one of my favourite photographs here.

02:08It depicts the reality of just everyday life bringing up children.

02:14It was taken in a council estate in Watlington, I believe.

02:20I just find it very very funny.

02:22So what I really like about the Goma is how accessible it is to all levels of knowledge on the subject of art.

02:29I also think it holds a really, really good balance of Scottish art by Scottish artists.

02:36Art made in Scotland by people who have come from elsewhere and also international art.

02:42It's literally right in the city centre and it is open seven days a week.

02:46And it's definitely somewhere I don't visit often enough.

02:49I need to visit more. I got something from that today.

02:52I learned about the city. I learned about what people who live here think and feel about the city.

02:58Yeah, I really enjoyed it.

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