Arran artist’s ‘Isola’ exhibition opens at Dunoon Burgh Hall

A MAJOR new exhibition by Arran-based artist photographer John Perivolaris will open at Dunoon Burgh Hall this weekend.
Isola, the second major exhibition of 2026 at the venue, launches in the Main Gallery on Saturday, April 11, with an official opening from 1pm to 3pm.
Visitors attending the opening will have the chance to meet the artist, view the exhibition and enjoy refreshments.
John Perivolaris, who lives on Arran and was born in Montreal to Greek parents, began developing the ideas behind Isola during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
The exhibition brings together images, words and poetry to explore themes of island life, isolation and connection.
Initially centred on Arran, the project later expanded to include places stretching from the western edge of Europe to the Greek island of Chios, where the artist’s family has its roots.
Mr Perivolaris said the work had allowed him to reflect on life between islands and on his own identity as an islander, photographer, and writer.
He added: “This has led me since then to find parallels between islands at the edges of Europe to the point where, in this work, they merge to become the Island that defines my experience and imagination as a European.”
Christina McKenzie, chair of Dunoon Burgh Hall’s board of trustees, said the venue was looking forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition over the coming weeks.
She said: “Hopefully plenty of people will make it along for the opening, but, if they miss that, there’s still plenty of time to catch it over the next few weeks.
We thank John Perivolaris for sharing this exhibition of images and words with us and hope that everyone enjoys them.”
The exhibition will also inspire two live performances next month.
John’s daughter, composer and pianist Electra Perivolaris, has turned the themes of Isola into a song cycle, which will be performed with Glasgow-based French soprano Hélène Bernard on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2.
A workshop led by John and Electra will also take place on May 1, with participants invited to bring along two or three meaningful photographs to explore as part of a collaborative composition session.
No musical or photographic experience is needed.
The two performances in the main gallery will be free, but ticketed, with places limited to 45 people each.
The workshop will also be free, with space for eight people on a first come, first served basis in the small gallery.
Further details on how to take part in the performances and workshop will be announced on Dunoon Burgh Hall’s social media channels and website.
The exhibition runs Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am to 3pm, until May 21.