Franzeska Ewart: The Dream of Flying at the Maclaurin Art Gallery in Ayr features oil paintings of dream-like worlds in which women and birds have strong emotional connections. In some paintings the birds bring the women small, simple gifts from which the women derive comfort, support and protection. In others the bird’s egg itself is the gift, a symbol of confidence, a new beginning of the fulfilment of a dream. The ‘flying’ in the exhibition title may symbolise anything from an escape from negativity, insecurity or unhappiness to the feeling of release and joy we experience when we cast off our inhibitions and follow our heart. Created during Covid restrictions, these paintings express hope for a future in which people have greater awareness, closeness and appreciation of nature.