Students to display work inspired by D’Arcy Thompson

Published On Wed 1 Nov 2017 by Cara Longmuir

He has already inspired generations of scientists, artists and thinkers including Alan Turing, Richard Dawkins and Claude Levi Strauss. Now the work of biologist and mathematician D’Arcy Thompson, has prompted a new exhibition of work from the new generation of Graphic Design and Illustration students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

‘Exponential Growth’ will open in the Tower Building Foyer on Saturday 4 November and is in place to celebrate 100 years since D’Arcy Thompson’s influential book, ‘On Growth and Form’ was first published.

He held the position of Professor of Natural History at University College, Dundee for 32 years. It was during this time that he wrote ‘On Growth and Form’, which remains widely admired by biologists, anthropologists and architects. The evolutionary biologist, Stephen Jay Gould, referred to the book as being “the greatest work of prose in twentieth century science.”

Curator Matthew Jarron said, “Over the past few weeks the students have created an amazing variety of sketches, objects, illustrations, collages and magazine layouts, the best of which will be shown in the exhibition.

“This is just part of our many centenary celebrations that we are hosting this year. This is our way of showcasing D’Arcy’s huge international importance. Our programme aims to introduce D’Arcy’s amazing ideas and influence to as wide an audience as possible.”

The student’s display coincides with the Lamb Gallery’s latest exhibition, ‘Harmonious Complexity’. It explores the history of the book through many of D’Arcy’s original letters and specimens. The exhibition also comes right up to date by featuring an amazing 3D animation of an archaeopteryx created by Brendan Body, an animator who teaches at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. Brendan was inspired by a fossil cast of the extinct dinosaur from D’Arcy’s museum and has brought the creature back to life through animation.

Both exhibitions continue until Christmas. Opening times are Mon-Fri 09.30-19.00 Sat 13.00-17.00. Admission is free.

For more information about the centenary celebrations go to https://www.ongrowthandform.org/.

For media enquiries contact:
Cara Longmuir
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385243
Email: c.z.longmuir@dundee.ac.uk