Exploring queer histories of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community

The Queer & Now exhibition, organised by Dundee’s Shaper/Caper dance company and funded by the National Lottery, will showcase new work created by artists who delve into the LGBTQ+ culture of the past.

The artists, who include Gray’s School of Art alumnus, Bart Grabski, have worked closely with OurStory Scotland to collect and curate oral histories that have informed their practice.

The ‘Queer & Now’ exhibition opens in Aberdeen at the Anatomy Rooms Arkade Studios on Friday 18 October with a highly anticipated Artist Talk at 4pm. Visitors will have the chance to hear firsthand from artists about the creative process and the stories that shaped their work.

Bart's piece, ‘Oral Portraits’, is a poignant exploration of Aberdeen’s queer club scene during the AIDS crisis, documenting a time when underground spaces offered solidarity, resilience, and joy to the community despite oppressive laws.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Bart is a Digital Co-ordinator at Look Again at Gray’s School of Art said: “"For many, the dance floor wasn’t just a place to escape—it was a place to become. In a world that tried to erase our community, those nights were the loudest forms of existence. This project isn’t just about remembering; it’s about honouring the resilience, the joy, and the unapologetic celebration of life that thrived in those spaces." 

Bart’s work weaves together evocative photographic portraits with a soundscape of audio recordings, featuring intimate interviews that echo the spirit of those times. He further explains: “The oral history recordings have been the soul of this project. Each story is a thread in the tapestry of our collective history, revealing not only the struggles but also the triumphs and moments of joy."

Two of the people who feature prominently in Bart’s work, Jill and Colin, offer deeply personal insights into the significance of Aberdeen's queer nightlife. Jill reflects on her self-discovery and the sanctuary provided by Club 2000, where "music and companionship offered an escape from societal repression."

Colin shares his experience with the Gay Switchboard and health promotion during the AIDS crisis, highlighting the importance of safe spaces like Daisy’s Disco and Castros in fostering a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. Colin said: "Those spaces were not just clubs; they were our lifelines, places where we could be who we really were without fear."

In addition to his own personal contribution, Bart also conducted interviews with two LGBTQIA+ alumni of Gray’s School of Art, Mark and Cliff, who reflect on their creative practices during those pivotal decades. Both discuss how queer spaces, art, and creativity within Aberdeen provided an outlet for expression and community in the face of social and political challenges.

Mark shared his experience at Gray’s School of Art saying, ""Art School enabled me to facilitate my creativity as an honest reflection of my true queer identity. This creative exploration would not have been possible outwith such a liberating environment."

Cliff, meanwhile, recalls the vibrant creative community of Gray’s School of Art and how the club scene was a lifeline for many: " Art school was a lifesaver for me, a place where I could be myself, but the queer club scene was where I found my tribe—people who embraced and celebrated their identities."

Yolanda Aguilar, Executive Director from Shaper/Caper said: “Sharing the history of the LGBT+ community in Aberdeen is a vital thread in the fabric of the city’s past. Sharing these stories allow us to honour the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who have often been marginalised.

“Gray’s alumnus, Bart Grabski’s contribution to the Queer & Now project has been most relevant in terms of showcasing his unique artistic and interdisciplinary practice, complementing an impressive team of selected artists, whilst spotlighting the North East of Scotland as the fourth city with the highest LGBT+ population, as revealed by this summer’s census.

“Gray School of Art plays an important role by shedding light on the contribution of the LGBT+ community, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring that future generations see the rich diversity that has always been part of Aberdeen’s identity.”

Dr Dan Allen, Dean of Gray’s School of Art said: “Gray's School of Art and the wider RGU community is immensely proud of Bart’s accomplishments. His work continues to elevate underrepresented voices, reinforcing the institution's role as a vital catalyst for social change and cultural discourse. We invite everyone to attend the exhibition and the artist talk, not only to celebrate the legacy of LGBTQ+ histories but also to witness the profound impact of Gray's School of Art on its alumni and the community at large.”

The ‘Queer & Now’ exhibition, which has also Perth, Inverness, Stirling and Glasgow, runs parallel to the ‘Small Town Boys’ show, which delves into queer nightlife in the 1980s through dance and spoken word, offering a complementary exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences during a turbulent time in history. As part of the tour in Aberdeen, ‘Small Town Boys’ will be showcased at Cheers Bar on Friday 18 October, ensuring that the city has the opportunity to fully engage with both events.

Credit for Small Town Boys images:  Maria Falconer.