Four art exhibitions will open this weekend showcasing the talent and scope of study at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD). From research examining electronic technologies and jewellery to detailed and delicate works based on 19th century zoology, these shows are testimony to the range of excellence in art that the University of Dundee nurtures.
Jenny Brownrigg, Curator of Exhibitions, said, "The Exhibitions Department is delighted to be presenting such an eclectic programme of exhibitions and events, kicking off with a mass opening of exhibitions at University of Dundee on 23 January to which we welcome the public.
With two exhibitions relating to the University D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson Zoology Collection and a third inspired by a collection of Victorian microscopic slides, this will be a great opportunity to see the different ways in which artists work with Museum Collections and the links between art and science. We also have an exciting exhibition by 3rd and 4th year Textiles students, so all in all we feel it is a great way to start the year!"
Evoke
Sandra Wilson, Roger Morris, Eileen Gatt, Teena Ramsay, Sue Barr
These jewellery makers have worked with digital and electronic artists (Darren Burnside, Michele Lazenby, Sencer Yetkin) to examine how digital technologies effect the way in which we experience jewellery. For instance, we can now project the jewellery onto the body to show the different ways it can be worn.
Using the latest forms of interactive media, the artists have looked at how the advent of a technological era has changed how we design, make, view and wear various types of body jewellery in an attempt to take it 'out of the showcase'. A booklet and CD Rom have been made to accompany the show.
Sandra Wilson, one of the jewellers represented in Evoke, said, "This is an opportunity to see some of the most exciting, cutting edge jewellery that is way ahead of its time. The outcomes of this research project also has implications for how new jewellery is experienced in the future by the general public."
Centrespace, University of Dundee Visual Research Centre (VRC), Dundee Contemporary Arts, Perth Rd, Dundee. Call 01382 348060, open Mon-Fri 10.30am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-5.30pm, admission free, until 4 February.
A Sketch of the Universe
Sally Osborn
Sally Osborn is the first artist to take up the new DJCAD Exhibition Department residency based on the unique works of the University's first Professor of Biology, Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson (1860-1948).
The University's first Zoology Museum was created by Professor D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson. Although only a young man of 26 when appointed in 1885, he was strongly motivated to the cause of education and improvement for all in Dundee. D'Arcy stayed at University College Dundee for 33 years. His work linking the growth of living organisms directly to mathematical theory has continued to influence academics and artists alike (visit www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/zoology/d'arcy.htm for more on Sir D'Arcy).
The D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson Zoological collection housed at the University today is vast and varied, including specimens from animal, insect and bird kingdoms. The ideas of Wentworth Thompson and this unique collection of zoological specimens have provided the starting point for Sally's solo exhibition, A Sketch of the Universe.
Sally Osborn lives and works in Glasgow. She graduated from Glasgow School of Art with a Masters in Fine Art in 2003 and is represented by Doggerfisher. Her work has been shown at Frieze Art Fair (2003), Liste Young Art Fair Basel (2002) and ART FORUM Berlin (2001). Previous commissions include You out there painted evil with Tramway, Glasgow (2001); a Grizedale Arts project (2002); and a residency with Goethe Institute, Glasgow (2001). The residency and is exhibition supported by The Scottish Arts Council.
Cooper Gallery, DJCAD, Perth Rd, Dundee, Mon-Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, admission free, until March 5.
A Sketch of the Universe is accompanied by Beasts Both Small and Great featuring excerpts from letters by Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson illustrated by specimens from the collection - "Today we got a small bear, and yet another pelican". Also on display are photographs of D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson and the original zoology museum, and a correspondence with Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Lamb Gallery, First Floor, Tower Building, University of Dundee, Perth Rd, Dundee. Mon-Fri 9.30am-8.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, until March 5.
Look Closer
Wendy Brown, Jan Hendry, Jeannine Osbourne
This exhibition has been conceived by two scientists, Dr Rogers-Bald and Dr Martin Milner, from St Andrews University, and three women artists who all have scientific backgrounds.
The work displayed is based on microscopic slides, mainly from the Victorian era, that were used as teaching aids to further understanding of the natural world at a time when this was a new and fascinating field to explore. They invested grace, precision and time in mounting the various biological artefacts captured in them. These slides are of value both as scientific artefacts and as art forms.
Wendy Brown, originally New York State, USA, now living in Cupar, Fife, previously worked at Harvard at Conquered Fields Station in the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The beauty of the microscopic slides has inspired a series of mixed media, colourful, expressionistic works.
Jan Hendry, based in Fife, has collected and processed minerals found in Arran, the Highlands, Fife and Angus, to make pigments for her paintings on paper. The red and yellow ochres and the coal black, all come from Carboniferous rocks, dated between 360 and 286 million years old, and formed before birds, mammals and flowers evolved. Most life on land at that time was invertebrate. It is appropriate that she has made her work with pigments inspired by the forms of the creatures that evolved in this time.
Jeannine Osbourne has maintained her interest in the world of science since her earlier degree in Earth Science. Although Jeannine's work is mainly figurative, for this exhibition she has made large abstract oil paintings that correspond to manipulated, magnified images of the slides.
Jan and Jeannine are both 2003 graduates from the School of Fine Art, DJCAD.
Lower Foyer Gallery, DJCAD Mon - Fri 9.30am - 6pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, admission free, until February 7.
information
Lorraine Besant, Susan Gowans, Anita Hutchinson, Stefanie Morrison, Nicola Ross, Moira Ross, Lisa Saunders,
Jessica Marie Simpson, Avigal Aperber, Niina Stahlberg, Lisa Webb.
An exhibition of work in progress by 3rd and 4th year Textile Design students which explores ideas, materials and processes which our central to our textile culture.
Bradshaw Art Space, DJCAD, Mon-Fri 9.30am - 6pm, Sat 10.30am-4.30pm, free admission, until February 20.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk