'Rethinking Art and the Highlands' – Dundee Arts Cafe on 15th April

Published On Wed 9 Apr 2014 by Roddy Isles

Professor Murdo Macdonald from the University of Dundee will explore the art of the Scottish Highlands at the next Dundee Arts Café event.

‘Rethinking Art and the Highlands’ takes place at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday, 15th April.

Murdo Macdonald is Professor of History of Scottish Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), part of the University. He has extensively researched the relationship between art and Gaelic language, history and culture and, from 2005 to 2011, was a partner in a major collaboration between Dundee and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

“The Scottish Highlands have given rise to one of the great oral, literary and musical cultures of the world, but the visual aspect of that Gaelic culture has received relatively little attention, even though it is known to be important,” he said.

“Consider, for example, the monks of Iona creating the Book of Kells at the beginning of the 9th century or the Gaelic speaking painter William McTaggart laying the foundations for modern Scottish art in the late 19th century. The purpose of this talk is to explore research into that culture of Highland art both through art history and the art of today.”

Dundee Arts Café is a programme of talks showcasing arts research and developments taking place locally. The series is organised by the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, and Dundee City Council’s Leisure & Culture department.

Dundee Arts Café events enable members of the public to relax and discuss the arts, from English to History, Philosophy to Architecture, and Fine Art to Product Design, with some of the leading names carrying out work in these areas in Dundee.

The events last one hour, and speakers talk passionately about their work for 30 minutes before the floor is opened up to an informal discussion with the audience. All talks take place in The McManus Café, Albert Square, Dundee.

‘Rethinking Arts and the Highlands’ takes place at 6pm on Tuesday, 15th April. The event is free, and open to all. Limited seating means visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the event and Dundee Arts Cafe please visit www.DundeeArtsCafe.co.uk. 

Tuesday 15th April 2014,  6pm Start. 7pm Finish

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA

Rethinking Arts and the Highlands

Join us in the relaxed atmosphere of the McManus Café for a short talk followed by your chance to ask questions and discuss the topic.

Everyone is welcome. Free. Non-bookable. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Contact: 
Roddy Isles
Head of Press
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN.
TEL: 01382 384910
MOBILE: 07800 581902
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk