Tributes for 'pioneering' Scottish artist who was nominated for Turner Prize

Tributes have poured in for an Ayrshire-born artist described as “one of the most important and influential artists of her generation”.

Christine Borland, who died on Sunday aged 60, graduated from the Glasgow School of Art, before becoming a leading voice in contemporary art in the 1990s.

Born in Darvel, East Ayrshire, Ms Borland, who was nominated for the Turner Prize in 1997 and became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2020, was described by the National Galleries of Scotland as a “pioneering figure” with an international reputation.

Her work, which focused on forensic science, the history of medicine and human genetics, was showcased in nearly 60 solo international exhibitions and over 200 group exhibitions and events throughout her lifetime, as well as being included in the Scottish national collection.

Anne Lyden, director-general at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “Christine Borland was one of the most important and influential artists of her generation. A pioneering figure in Scottish contemporary art, she established an international reputation while remaining deeply connected to Scotland and its artistic communities.

“Colleagues at the National Galleries of Scotland had the privilege of working with Christine over many years, including through exhibitions and displays of her work. She was admired and loved by colleagues, collaborators, and students for her generosity, kindness and wisdom. She brought warmth and care to everything she did, and her loss will be felt deeply across the cultural sector and beyond.”

A spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council said: “Christine was one of Scotland's most influential artists, whose work challenged and inspired audiences around the world through its exploration of science, humanity and the natural world. Despite her international success, she remained deeply connected to Scotland and its artistic communities.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with, learning from and knowing her. Christine's remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and East Ayrshire is proud to celebrate her as one of our own.”

Christine Borland has died aged 60. | Johnstone Press Resell

Glasgow Print Studio, with which Ms Borland worked on a number of projects, said: “We were fortunate to work with Christine on a number of projects over the years and to witness her thoughtful, inquisitive and deeply humane approach to making art, not least in her final project this year that centred meditations and visualisations relating to cancer, consciousness and corporeal mapping.

“Christine's work explored profound questions around science, medicine, ethics and humanity with remarkable sensitivity and insight. She will be greatly missed.”

Ms Borland’s recent work included The Power of Twelve, commissioned by Mount Stuart Visual Arts on the Isle of Bute in 2018 and In Relation to Linum at Inverleith House, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, for the Edinburgh Art Festival in 2021.

A spokesperson for the Patricia Fleming Gallery in Glasgow, which ha da ten year partnership with Ms Borland, said: “Christine Borland was an extraordinary artist, and an inspirational example of how to engage with the world.

“Her sharp critical inquiry into ethics, science, and the natural world shaped not only her artistic practice but her very existence, questioning everything with unwavering intellectual courage.”

Borland, who was also a professor of fine art at Northumbria University, leaves her husband Ross and daughters Grace, Agnes and Jean.