23 October 2006

Anatomy Acts is an exploration of the human body, inside and out

Lamb Gallery, University of Dundee (from October 24th 2006 to January 13th 2007)
& Gateway Galleries, Gateway Centre, University of St Andrews (from October 27th to January 13th 2007)

After its success at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh, (5 stars - Scotsman; ‘richest, most challenging historic exhibition...in recent years’ - Herald, 15,000 visitors) an adapted version of the `Anatomy Acts' exhibition is touring to the Lamb Gallery, Dundee, and the Gateway Galleries, St Andrews as part of a Scotland-wide tour.

Anatomy Acts will be shown across both venues, with each exhibition showcasing a selection of rare and fascinating anatomical exhibits from collections across Scotland, as well as augmenting these with little-seen items from the hosts’ own collections.

From 16th Century anatomical drawings to contemporary art and newly commissioned poetry, from wax models to modern imaging technologies, Anatomy Acts is a visual feast fusing art, science, history and medicine.

Key objects include:

* recently discovered original anatomical drawings by one of Scotland’s greatest 20th century artists, Alberto Morrocco - in Dundee

* Charles Bell’s painting of a soldier wounded from battle during the Napoleonic Wars - in Dundee

* one of the earliest x-ray tubes made in Scotland, used at Dundee Royal Infirmary by Dr George Pirie, a pioneer of the clinical use of x-rays - in St Andrews, but from the University of Dundee’s Medical History Museum

* a fascinating early 20th century dermatome model. This colourful papier maché model shows the areas of the skin supplied by a single specific spinal nerve, was used to in locate sensations in patients with neurological disorders - in St Andrews

Specially commissioned works from leading international contemporary visual artist Joel Fisher and award-winning poet Kathleen Jamie further illuminate anatomy’s continuing significance and fascination

Exhibition curator Andrew Patrizio comments: ‘Anatomy Acts has been a honour and pleasure to bring together. Anatomy has long been a huge issue is public consciousness, no less so today. ‘Anatomy Acts’ will allow the public to explore the extraordinary visual poetry of this emotive subject through old work and new.’

Please note that the exhibition contains some human remains and representations of the human body, which some people might find unsettling.

For interviews and images:

Siobhan McConnachie
0131 527 1633
s.mcconnachie@rcsed.ac.uk

or

Matthew Jarron
01382 384310
m.h.jarron@dundee.ac.uk

NOTES

* Anatomy Acts forms part of the Scotland & Medicine: Collections & Connections Partnership. The partnership is supported through the Regional Development Challenge Fund, funded by the Scottish Executive and administered by the Scottish Museums Council. The fund aims to encourage collaboration between museums of all types and other related agencies at regional level.

* Scotland & Medicine aims to promote the medical collections held in libraries, museums, galleries and archives across Scotland. These are an outstanding resource in the delivery of health initiatives and learning opportunities.

* Following its show in Dundee and St Andrews Anatomy Acts will also tour to Inverness and Thurso, (Feb-April 2007) and Glasgow (May -July 2007)

* Anatomy Acts is supported by an online exhibition www.anatomyacts.co.uk

* A programme of special events complements the exhibition. Events include a print-making workshop, a poetry reading and talk by Kathleen Jamie and a series of lunchtime talks and tours.

* The accompanying publication Anatomy Acts: How We Come to Know Ourselves is available for purchase (£12.99). Published by Birlinn Ltd. - ISBN: 1 84158 471.

* Generous funding has been received from The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, The Scottish Arts Council, Edinburgh College of Art, AXA Art, and the Strathmartine Trust.

For media enquiries contact:

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