Commissioned by YPC 2026

Flux, Slessor Gardens

“No man steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

Ythan Evans draws inspiration from this phrase associated with Greek philosopher Heraclitus and his doctrine of flux, or constant change. Using colours reminiscent of the Scottish landscape and its changing seasons, Ythan brings together the contemporary and the ancient, combining digital artwork with suminagashi - a traditional Japanese ink marbling technique.

By floating ink on water and capturing its movement on rice paper, the process records a fleeting moment that can never be repeated. The resulting natural contours and ripples create a sense of flow across the piece.

Positioned next to the River Tay, repurposed mirrored panels reflect the environment. As the time of day, weather and surroundings change, the reflective elements of the work transform, meaning every viewer experiences something different. The observer becomes part of the work, inviting playful self-reflection.

Ythan Evans is an award-winning interaction designer. Having grown up in rural Fife, he enjoys creating projects which embody his love for nature and exploration. His work examines the link between people and their environments, using interactivity to playfully shift perspectives and invite new ways of thinking.

St Andrews Street

Ailsa MacLennan is a graphic designer and recent graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. 'Commissioned by YPC' work looks to explore the transformation in the dynamic between humanity and the animals that service us and how we treat those animals once technology takes over their roles. This series was inspired by Winkie, a pigeon from Broughty Ferry, who saved 4 lives in 1943. Using local stories forces the people of Dundee to confront their own personal thoughts on these animals.

Looking to explore the dynamic between humanity and the animals that service us, Pets to Pests Looks at how quickly Pigeons in particular, were taken from heroes of the war effort to being see as pests and being nicknamed ‘rats of the sky’ This particular collection of images has a deeper connection to Dundee than its current pigeon efforts, as the photos used include Winkie, a pigeon from broughty ferry who in 1943 was awarded a PDSA Dickin award for saving the lives of 4 downed airmen, whose plane went down in the ocean. The Dickin award is often seen as the animal equivalent of the Victoria cross, representing strength and bravery. The weaving style of editing makes people bring these 2 different ideas about pigeons together and forces them to realise that they are the same animals, the only change is the technology we have access to, and human perspective.

BLOOM, Cowgate Underpass

Iona Dawson's work explores identity, transformation and self-expression through fashion and image-making.

Through adaptable garments, bold colour and experimental construction, she considers how identity can be continually reshaped and redefined, challenging ideas around ageing and exploring the confidence and freedom that can come with becoming.

BLOOM builds on these themes, exploring ageing as a celebration of life and an ongoing process of emergence, transformation and self-discovery. Through a series of images, the work considers the second stage of life as a space that holds power, presence and the freedom to be seen and heard. Like a flower transforming as it grows, the self is never fixed; it changes, adapts and emerges into something new with time. Rather than resisting change, BLOOM celebrates transformation as a form of liberation.

Occasional Comfort, High Street 80

The 2026 Upstart Festival focuses on "Transformation". Sarah's work looks at the transformation of self that a safe outfit can bring about.

Many clothes can cause sensory distress through synthetic fabrics, itchy tags, and rubbing seams. This can bring feelings of anxiety, pain, and danger. Clothing designed to feel safe and comfortable can have a transformative effect on a person's well-being.

The artwork includes a tactile element to show how clothing can feel to those with sensory defensiveness. It can feel like you are wearing sandpaper or like needles sticking into your skin. This stands in contrast to the joy that wearing a comfortable outfit can bring.