Rachel Ashenden
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rachelashenden.bsky.social
Rachel Ashenden
@rachelashenden.bsky.social
Thinking and writing about art 🛸
Art Editor at The Skinny 🗞️ open to pitches, esp. DIY exhibitions in Scotland.
(she/they)
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
December brings Armenian filmmaker Alex Sarkisian to @timespanhelmsdale.bsky.social, and it's not too late to see @shenxin.info's Highland Embassy at @collective-edin.bsky.social

All this and more in @rachelashenden.bsky.social's round-up!
Scottish Art Highlights: December 2025
December offers Afrofuturist photography, a meditative film about land dispossession and a survey of Scottish portraiture.
www.theskinny.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
✨ Don’t miss The City at AGA — curated by Holly-Rennie Brown and reviewed by Evie Glen in this month’s The Skinny. A vivid exploration of queer and working-class histories, community, and care in urban life. Open Wed–Fri, 10–5pm — one week left!
November 8, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Me catching these free exhibitions in London:

• Tai Shani, Cardinal @ Gathering
• Erotic Surrealism @ Richard Saltoun
• The Medium is the Message @ The College of Psychic Studies
• The Word for World @ AA Gallery
November 1, 2025 at 5:17 PM
New column coming to @theskinnymag.bsky.social soon 🥵

(pitches encouraged)
October 11, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
Making your mark in Scotland's visual art scene can feel like a daunting task, but we're here to show you the ropes – @rachelashenden.bsky.social offers some advice on getting started...
Getting started in Scotland's art scene – The Skinny
Gatekeepers stand aside. Making your mark in Scotland's visual art scene can feel like a daunting task, but we're here to show you the ropes.
www.theskinny.co.uk
September 13, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Keen to make new connections with visual art journalists/critics in Scotland ❤️‍🔥

At @theskinnymag.bsky.social, I'm especially interested in hearing about DIY exhibitions/art events, particularly if they explore social issues. (Or just juicey art gossip, I'm here for it all)

rachel(at)theskinny.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
At @edinburghprints.bsky.social, Aqsa Arif subverts the famous Sony Bravia 'Paint' advert that was filmed in her childhood council flat. @rachelashenden.bsky.social considers the necessity for creative expression in the face of growing threats to social housing
Portrait of an Erased Estate: Aqsa Arif at Edinburgh Art Festival - The Skinny
In her new show at Edinburgh Art Festival, Aqsa Arif subverts the famous Sony Bravia 'Paint' advert that was filmed in her childhood council flat in Glasgow.
www.theskinny.co.uk
July 31, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
As we edge closer to August (AKA Edinburgh Art Festival), a flurry of exhibitions open across @fruitmarket.bsky.social, @hunterianglasgow.bsky.social and more

Read @rachelashenden.bsky.social's column below 👀
Scottish Art Highlights: July 2025 – The Skinny
As we edge closer to August (AKA Edinburgh Art Festival), a flurry of exhibitions open across the capital.
www.theskinny.co.uk
June 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Hi pals 👋 thought it was about time I introduced myself to connect with fellow writers. I'm a freelance arts writer/editor in Edinburgh, passionate about feminist and queer creative expression. Currently researching and writing about class as a growing barrier to visual arts #writing #writers #art
June 30, 2025 at 9:39 AM
I had such a blast hosting an Art Writing workshop for @portybooks.bsky.social.

The creative exercises were inspired by the likes of @thewhitepube.bsky.social, bell hooks, and Ali Smith. By using the first person, the participants connected art interpretation to memory and experience. 🪷
June 30, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
Art is all around us – but if you want help narrowing down the search area, here's March's exhibition highlights, from @rachelashenden.bsky.social
Scottish Art Highlights: March 2025 – The Skinny
A pair of major survey exhibitions spotlight dozens of emerging artists this March, plus shows from Steve McQueen, Walker & Bromwich and Jude Browning.
buff.ly
March 5, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
Swedish artist and filmmaker Petra Bauer’s film is a powerful look at the day-to-day work of Southall Black Sisters – showing at @fruitmarket.bsky.social until 23 Mar
Petra Bauer: Sisters! @ Fruitmarket: art review - The Skinny
Swedish artist and filmmaker Petra Bauer’s film is a powerful look at the day-to-day work of Southall Black Sisters.
buff.ly
March 4, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Reposted by Rachel Ashenden
"Her work is there for you to engage with and respond to"

Curator Pelumi Odubanjo tells @rachelashenden.bsky.social how she’s reimagining Maud Sulter’s legacy through a participatory events programme at @GlasgowTramway
Maud Sulter and The Living Archive of Diaspora – The Skinny
Curator Pelumi Odubanjo tells us how she’s reimagining Sulter’s legacy through a participatory events programme at Tramway.
buff.ly
February 12, 2025 at 12:30 PM