‘Constantine.. the Artist’, has been announced as Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s latest Artist in Residence, taking up the highly sought-after position from March to May.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the next Artist in Residence, Athens-born ‘Constantine.. the Artist’, who will take up residency from March to May 2025.

The three-month Artist in Residence programme aims to nurture creativity for Edinburgh artists and provide a platform to showcase their creations. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers free access to a purpose-built art studio, The Unicorn Room, nestled within the old India Buildings’ turret, and exhibition space for guests and visitors to view the artists’ pieces.

Following a rigorous selection process, Constantine.. was chosen for this prestigious opportunity. Constantine.., whose work is deeply inspired by the mythological heritage of his hometown and his early surroundings, began his artistic journey while studying in Aberdeen. After a decade there, he moved to Edinburgh in 2018, drawn by the city’s vibrant art scene.

Constantine.. isn’t limited to one medium, from experimenting with inks and acrylics, during his residency, he will be working with oil sticks and pastels. The creative process is guided by transferring the vision in his mind onto the canvas, with the image dictating the medium respectively. His breakthrough came with his series “FLUXUS”, which resonated with his artistic ambitions and has continued to influence his latest pieces.

Influenced by everyday experiences, self-portraits, and figures reminiscent of Batman, Constantine..’s work aims to provoke social and philosophical conversations, using bold imagery and colour, as well as humour and theatricality. Constantine..’s residency at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will allow him to expand his “VIGILANTE” series, first conceptualised in 2020 and partially exhibited in 2023. This is not a simple art series it’s a satirical and introspective exploration of justice, power, and identity.

With the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series alongside never-seen before works, Constantine.. the Artist will be in residency until Friday 30 May throughout Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to welcome Constantine.. the Artist as our new Artist in Residence. Constantine..’s unique perspective and thought-provoking work will undoubtedly captivate our guests and visitors. This residency will provide Constantine.. with a special opportunity to expand his ‘Vigilante’ series and engage with the vibrant creative community in Edinburgh. We encourage everyone to visit and experience the powerful messages behind his art.

“The Artist in Residence programme marks Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting the creative community in Edinburgh, providing artists with a free gallery space within the hotel and the chance to sell their artwork, with all proceeds going directly to the artist. Applications are now open for creatives to apply for the next Artist in Residence vacancy.”

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will house the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series to date including the creation of never seen before works created exclusively for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – selected works will be available for purchase.

Constantine.. the Artist, Artist in Residence said: “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be selected as the next Artist in Residence at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This opportunity comes at a perfect time for me to delve deeper into my artistic journey and expand my ‘Vigilante’ series. The vibrant art scene in Edinburgh has always been a source of inspiration for me, and having access to The Unicorn Room will allow me to create some truly exciting new pieces.

“Coming from a non-traditional art background, this residency represents a unique chance to share my vision and provoke thought through my work. I am eager to meet the guests and visitors, to discuss my creative process, and to join me in the studio. I can’t wait to begin this exciting chapter and I’m truly grateful for the resources provided to artists by Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.”

Offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at his process, Constantine.. will be available during for guests to witness the creative process within The Unicorn Room. Visitors interested in meeting Constantine.. the Artist or learning more about his work can find him at the hotel or reach out via email at constantine.artist@gmail.com.

Applications are now open for aspiring artists who would like to be considered for the next Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence spot. For more information please email: artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com.

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