The Persistence of Painting: Glasgow’s Contemporary Artists Redefine the Canvas

Glasgow’s Patricia Fleming Gallery is currently presenting The Persistence of Painting, running until 20 December 2025, a show that highlights contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Spotlight on Glasgow’s Contemporary Painting Scene

Glasgow has long been recognised as a powerhouse of contemporary art, with its vibrant community of painters, sculptors, and multimedia artists shaping the cultural landscape of Scotland. Right now, the Patricia Fleming Gallery is hosting The Persistence of Painting (15 November – 20 December 2025), an exhibition that celebrates the enduring relevance of painting in the digital age.

The Exhibition: The Persistence of Painting

This show brings together a selection of current Glasgow-based contemporary painters, each exploring the medium in fresh and innovative ways. The exhibition asks a compelling question: What does painting mean today? In an era dominated by digital imagery and AI-driven creativity, these artists reaffirm painting’s power to communicate emotion, texture, and human presence.

Visitors can expect:

• Bold experimentation with colour, form, and material.
• Conceptual depth, with works that challenge traditional boundaries of painting.
• Local and international resonance, as Glasgow’s painters continue to influence wider art conversations.

Why This Matters

Glasgow’s art scene has always thrived on its grassroots energy and international outlook. Exhibitions like The Persistence of Painting remind audiences that painting is not a relic of the past but a living, evolving practice. For collectors, the show offers a chance to acquire works from artists who are shaping the future of Scottish art. For casual visitors, it’s an opportunity to experience the raw immediacy of paint on canvas, something digital media can’t replicate.

Beyond Patricia Fleming Gallery

Other Glasgow galleries are also showcasing contemporary painters this winter:

• Compass Gallery is running The Winter Show 2025 (6 December 2025 – 31 January 2026), featuring Scottish Modern Masters alongside recent graduates.
• Annan Gallery is hosting its Annual Winter Show (29 November 2025 – 8 February 2026), with a large selection of paintings from established and emerging artists.

Together, these exhibitions highlight Glasgow’s rich ecosystem of contemporary painters, from experimental voices to established names.