Robyn Keetley
I'm a filmmaker and digital content producer who has rediscovered Alasdair's work in recent years; and is trying to reinspire myself and my visual style by studying the works of other artists, especially ones who's writing and art has resonated with me in a deeper way, like Alasdair's has.
What does Alasdair Gray mean to you?
Explain yourself?
The parts of Alasdair's work that stand out most to me are the surreal elements, where he takes a real place or time and infuses it with something almost steampunk or unreal, making it entirely his own. I’ve always loved surrealist films like those of Roy Andersson, which might be why adaptations such as Poor Things resonate with me. They use fantastical and whimsical imagery to draw you in while carrying a message that runs deeper than the surface surrealism. I also love how Alasdair's work echoes others like Alice in Wonderland or Frankenstein - magic and monsters that frame a more meaningful message. I’m inspired by the idea that visual art doesn’t need to be literal, that the images, videos, paintings or drawings you create can be dissonant with the message you want to convey.
How did you get to know Alasdair or his work?
I rediscovered Alasdair Gray's work like a lot of people last year, through the release of the film adaptation of Poor Things. However, at that point I hadn't linked the artist to the film. Serendipitously, I also went to a digital in heritage seminar where Kat from A Gray Space gave a talk and I loved her message and the purpose of this online space so much that I decided to email on my train back home if I could collaborate and explore Alasdair's work more through film.
What have you done differently because of Alasdair?
I think a lot of Alasdair's work touches on social and cultural transformation, and even just individual transformation; I've tried to take those ideas into my work as a filmmaker and digital content producer in the heritage sector, by trying to embed more social messaging through my content and how our ideas surrounding heritage transform over time as communities and culture change.
How does Alasdair continue to influence or inspire you?
On a personal level I've felt inspired to take up and try new art forms, particularly painting. I've taken the stance that learning is part of the fun, so whilst I may not have been an Alasdair Gray-level artist on day one... even Alasdair Gray started somewhere. Who knows? I too may paint murals one day.
Explore more…
Why Alasdair Gray still inspires us today...
Filmmaker Robyn Keetley dives into the darkly surreal world of Poor Things and discovers how the visionary artist Alasdair Gray built a creative universe that still fuels new art today.