‘A Collection of Quotidian Masterpieces’ is a vibrant, theatrical and comical body of work by Edinburgh local Constantine (right), currently exhibiting in The Torrance Gallery.
New owners Antonio and Adam Jackson-Perkins have welcomed the Athens-born contemporary artist to launch the gallery's rebrand during Edinburgh's ‘experimental, theatrical, and slightly unhinged’ festival season.
The series is reminiscent of Picasso with Pop Art influences and features a recurring protagonist styled in Constantine's own image, often posed as recognisable vigilantes such as a brooding cowboy, Batman or Robert Louis Stevenson’s Mr Hyde.
[Constantine, 'Duck and Cover', 2026.]
Placing these distinctive characters – not often seen sharing the same context – in mundane ‘quotidian’ environments is an interesting, humorous and deliberate decision intended to ‘blur the boundaries between the ordinary and the mythic’.
Although some casual viewers may miss the artist’s intended commentary on social identity and self-reflection, the obviously visual jokes and foul-mouthed cowboys make for enjoyable and engaging viewing nonetheless.—Hannah Muir
You can view the exhibition and copies of Constantine’s book, Vigilante Returns: Raw & Dirty, at The Torrance Gallery, 36 Dundas Street, EH3 6JN, Mon–Sat, 11am–5:30pm, until 22 August.
