Zoology Exhibitions
Coded Chimera and Heresies
Two art exhibitions inspired by D'Arcy Thompson
28 April - 16 June 2012, Tower Foyer and Lamb Galleries,
Tower Building, University of Dundee
These two exhibitions mark the start of a two-year project to explore the influence of D'Arcy Thompson, the University of Dundee's first Professor of Biology, on the visual arts - part of a special initiative by the University's Museum Services supported by the Art Fund's RENEW scheme.
In the Tower Foyer Gallery, the exhibition Coded Chimera features the results of an AHRC-funded research project by sculptor Bruce Gernand. His project was developed in association with the Natural History Museum and the Cambridge Computer Lab and explores the ideas of morphogenesis (the study of biological dynamics) pioneered by D'Arcy Thompson.
Using digital scans of zoological specimens and customised computer software tools, different animal forms are morphed to create hybrid shapes. The sculptures, models and diagrams shown in the exhibition (which was first staged at the University of Cambridge last year) make connections between the process of sculpture and the principles of biological dynamics.
In the Lamb Gallery, the exhibition Heresies features three artists, B E Cole, Stuart Mackenzie and Roger Wilson, presenting responses both to D'Arcy Thompson's collection in Dundee and the theories and observations arising from his research. The title refers to Thompson's own description of his research in the eyes of the scientific establishment. It also works as a reminder of the impact of his work on artists practising in the first half of the 20th century and their effort to establish a visual language connected to the natural world but distanced from academic naturalism.
Whilst the three artists employ different media and approaches they share a common interest in the generation of form through process. All three employ close observation and extensive experimentation leading to works, which add to our visual language and our relationship with science and the natural world.
Arctic Bound: An exhibition of photographs by Alexander Rodger and David Dickson, 1894-7
In the 1890s two young naturalists were sent on expeditions to the Arctic to collect specimens for the Zoology Museum of Professor D'Arcy Thompson at University College, Dundee. They also took photographic equipment with them and captured some fascinating shots of life among the whalers and the native people of some of the northernmost settlements on Earth.
The exhibition is on show at Discovery Point until 10 January 2013, having previously been held at both University of St Andrews School of Art History, 17 June - 30 September 2011 and University of Dundee Tower Foyer Gallery, 26 November - 26 January 2012. Find out more about the Arctic Exhibition.
D'Arcy Thompson: Scientist & Collector
A display showing some of the thousands of zoology specimens that D'Arcy Thompson collected for his museum in Dundee, from tiny marine organisms to some of the world's largest mammals.
30 April 2010 - January 2011
Sensation: Dundee Science Centre
(NB - there is an admission charge to Sensation but no additional cost to see the exhibition)
For details of opening times, see the Sensation website
D'Arcy Thompson: Growth & Form
An exhibition celebrating 150 years since the birth of Dundee's pioneer of life sciences
19 March - 22 May 2010, Lamb Gallery,
Tower Building, University of Dundee
Click on the poster for more information
D'Arcy Thompson's Voyages of Discovery
A temporary display looking at D'Arcy's polar connections, featuring Arctic and Antarctic specimens from his museum.
12 March - 13 June
Discovery Point
Find out more on the RRS Discovery website
Curiosity
An exhibition by level 3 Illustration students
inspired by the life and collections of D'Arcy Thompson
5 - 20 March 2010, Bradshaw Art Space
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design
Click on the poster for more information
Sally Osborn - A Sketch of the Universe
23 January - 5 March 2004, Cooper Gallery
The results of artist Sally Osborn's residency in the Zoology Museum.
Beasts Both Small and Great
23 January - 28 February 2004, Lamb Gallery
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. Curated by Exhibition Department gallery assistants Catriona Morrison and Isla Brookes.
"...and a bag full of monkeys!"
An exhibition at Barrack Street Museum, 1997-8
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