Richard Wright - Winner of the Turner Prize 2009

Richard Wright has just been announced as the winner of the Turner Prize 2009. One critic wrote; his "work is so beautiful that you stand transfixed in front of it." Wright works like an old master. He starts by drawing his design on paper and then pricking the cartoon with hundreds of tiny holes to transfer the image to the wall by rubbing chalk over the surface. Next, he applies size (weak glue used in the middle ages to stiffen the pages of illuminated manuscripts) and paints the final layer with tiny brushes dipped in paint.

Wright's work has a quiet, subtle quality: he produces work of incandescent, ethereal beauty. His work, too, is often ephemeral because he draws and paints abstract designs directly onto the gallery walls. When the show closes, they are painted over. This is also true of our work by him, 'Love Gasoline' which came into the collections in 1997, as part of the Scottish Arts Council Bequest. Although his work is ephemeral by coming into a public collection it can exist - as here - in image form on our database - and be recreated for special showings.

Award-winning architects have designs on art gallery

Award-winning architects Gareth Hoskins Architects of Glasgow have been chosen to create a design study to ensure Aberdeen Art Gallery is fit for purpose for the 21st century. This marks the first stage in an exciting project to modernise and enhance the gallery as it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2010. The firm's clients include the Victoria & Albert Museum, The National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland.

Given the Art Gallery's pivotal position close to His Majesty's Theatre, the Belmont Picturehouse, citymoves, the Central Library and Union Terrace Gardens, the ongoing development of a cultural quarter will be enhanced by the development.

This design study phase will be financed by the Marguerite McBey Trust, which was established in May 2001 to disburse the bequest of Mrs McBey to fund projects which promote contemporary art and the work and life of her husband, the celebrated artist, James McBey. The Trust also supports the wider work of the Art Gallery & Museums Service. The Marguerite McBey Trust is chaired by Dr Ian McKenzie Smith CBE, past president of the Royal Scottish Academy.

There will be an opportunity for members of the public, cultural organisations and business partners to be involved in shaping the outcome of the Design Study.

Aberdeen Art Gallery acquires Tracey Emin piece

Aberdeen Art Gallery has acquired work by one of Britain's most acclaimed and successful contemporary artists, Tracey Emin.

The pink and blue neon work entitled For You which now hangs in the Centre Court of the Gallery, was purchased with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions, The Art Fund, the National Collecting Scheme for Scotland and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.

Speaking about this important addition to the city's collections, Art Gallery & Museums Manager Christine Rew said: "We are delighted to add this tender and poignant piece by one of Britain's leading modern artists to our collections - thanks to generous assistance from our financial supporters.

"Tracey Emin has been at the forefront of British art for the last ten years and this acquisition will build on our objective to acquire and exhibit the best of contemporary art in Aberdeen."

Andrew Macdonald, Acting Director of The Art Fund said "Simple in its design, but powerful in its personal but universally shared message, this is a striking work by Tracey Emin, one of the most influential artists of her generation. I am delighted that The Art Fund was able to help ensure that this work joined Aberdeen's excellent public art collection."