Reflecting on the opening weekend of my Isle of Mull Solo Show at the Castle Gallery in Inverness fills me with a mix of gratitude and joy. It was a beautiful weekend, truly brilliant, highlighted by a very well-attended private viewing that had me both excited and admittedly nervous — unveiling a year’s worth of work is always daunting, not knowing how it will be received. Thankfully, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

My bond with Inverness, a place I’ve visited for 27 years, and its extraordinary people, has only deepened. The conversations with clients (mine and the galleries), and local art lovers were particularly enlightening, revealing their deep connection to the landscapes I paint—landscapes just a couple of hours from their doorstep, making my paintings resonate strongly within the Castle Gallery’s walls. It was affirming to see my focus as an artist understood so clearly, and to witness my work spark recognition and appreciation under the gallery lights, where the colours and details of each piece truly came to life.

This exhibition was a testament to the journey—mine as an artist and the viewers’ through the landscapes I depict. To see people engage with my work, understand its layers, and choose to take a piece of that journey home with them was incredibly humbling.

I’m especially thankful for the support from Denise and the team at the Castle Gallery. Our 25-year relationship has been a cornerstone of my career, with Denise understanding and supporting my artistic progression in ways that are profoundly important to me. This understanding, this shared vision for pushing boundaries and constantly questioning our comfort zones, is what makes our ongoing friendship and professional collaboration so special.

As an artist, I believe it’s crucial to always challenge oneself, to explore the edges of what’s possible. This show, perfectly placed in Inverness, represented just that—a culmination of years of practice and a deep dive into the essence of the landscape of the Isle of Mull, that I will forever hold dear.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and shared in the experience of this show.

A third of the collection has already found new homes, but the remaining pieces are available exclusively through the Castle Gallery, both in person and online. The show continues through to 30 March. Your favourite piece might still be available, so I encourage you to visit: https://shop.castlegallery.co.uk/collections/shazia-mahmood.

📸 by Alex Stanhope