Earth Matters marks 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, the Edinburgh-born geologist, farmer and thinker who revolutionised our understanding of Earth’s creation and the ground beneath us.
Inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers, over 30 artists delve into this living ecosystem to reveal its brilliance, beauty and fragility.
A creative partnership with Susanna Beaumont, Design Exhibition Scotland, Earth Matters features work by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Louise Bennetts, Stevi Benson, Stefanie Ying Lin Cheong, John Clerk of Eldin, Constanza Dessain, Joan Eardley, Nancy Fuller, Cara Guthrie, Ilana Halperin, James Hutton, Adam Johnston, John Kay, Tania Kovats, Viv Lee & Jonathan Wade, Becky Little & Tom Morton, Sekai Machache, Maria McStay, Kevin Andrew Morris, Kelly Murray, George Perry, Carol Rhodes, Natalie Taylor, Graeme Todd, JL Williams, Clare Woods, Eleanor White, Alberta Whittle, Crunch Willoughby, Fiona Young, and more.
Earth Matters is supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Edinburgh Geological Society, with special thanks to the James Hutton Institute. The exhibition is part of Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, RSA200 and James Hutton Tercentenary 2026.
Main image: Sekai Machache, Light Divine Sky II, 2021. Photography: Antanas Budvytis. Courtesy the artist, Patricia Fleming Gallery and the Fleming Collection