23rd January 2007
Anatomy Acts is an exploration of the human body, inside and out.
After its successful opening at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh, (5 stars - Scotsman, 'richest, most challenging historic exhibition...in recent years' - Herald) an adapted version of Anatomy Acts is touring to venues across Scotland, coming to the Highlands in January 2007. From centuries old 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
Charles Bell's painting of a soldier wounded from battle during the Napoleonic Wars �a fascinating early 20th century dermatome model. This colourful papier mach� 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
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.
Venue details:
Swanson Gallery
Thurso Library, Davidson's Lane, Thurso
Tel: 01847 896357
Monday to Wednesday: 1.00 - 5.00pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 1.00 - 8.00pm
Saturday: 10.00am - 1.00pm
Anatomy Acts forms part of the Scotland & Medicine: Collections & Connections Partnership www.scotlandandmedicine.com . 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 Thurso and Inverness Anatomy Acts will tour to the Collins Gallery, Glasgow ( 26 May -30 June 2007)
Anatomy Acts is supported by an online exhibition
A programme of special events complements the exhibition, contact the venues for further details.
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 Esm�e 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.
In addition, 2 workshops are being planned:
Tue 6th Feb 7-9pm - Anatomy of the Face - appropriate to Higher students and interested adults
Thu 13th Feb 7-8.30pm - lecture by Kathleen Jamie, poet. Kathleen's poems are part of the exhibition, accompanying a number of the exhibits - appropriate to Higher English students and interested adults.
Places for both workshops are limited so booking is essential on the following number:
1847 896357 - during gallery hours
or email Annie Kieran at anniekieran[AT]hotmail.co.uk
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