Castaway Heads is an exhibition of portraiture created by two local visually impaired artists, Fiona Powell and Alan McIntyre from 23 October 2015 – 16 January 2016.

Both artists have Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative condition which severely impairs the vision. Together they have formed the group VIEW – Visually Impaired Experimental Works – a group that develop accessible ways to create work as visually impaired artists, and explore modes of presentation which offer a sensory experience to a wide audience, suggesting alternative perspectives on the world around us.

Art has always played an important part in both of their lives. Fiona was immersed in art from an early age and studied Drawing and Painting at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and has continued painting and exhibiting since graduating. Alan studied as an architectural draughtsman, selling through the Royal Scottish Academy shop as well as exhibiting in group shows. They both regularly attend the RNIB art class held at Hillside Crescent and have exhibited with RNIB and other galleries such as Gallery on the Corner and Space Artworks in Morningside.

As visually impaired artists, Fiona and Alan have been exploring different media in an attempt to find out how best to cope with and to transcend their disabilities. Being visually impaired has a huge impact on the work they make and the processes they explore. Portraiture appealed to both artists as the human face is such an interesting subject; full of curves and straight lines.