Pattern Play

Patterns are all around us. The physical world depends on regularity and repetition. A large part of scientific research involves the identification and understanding of patterns, either physical or theoretical. What may seem random and chaotic often still depends on underlying, predictable patterns. 

Art too is all about patterns. The mathematician and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead described art as “the imposing of a pattern on experience, and our aesthetic enjoyment is recognition of the pattern.” The influential art critic Herbert Read defined works of art as “pattern informed by sensibility”.

In this exhibition we reveal different ways that patterns have been explored, interpreted and sometimes disrupted by artists, designers and scientists. All of the objects, artworks and specimens on display are from the University of Dundee Museum Collections. 

Open Mon-Fri 09.30-7pm Sat 11am-4pm. The Tower Building may close earlier on weekdays during summer vacation. We recommend arriving no later than 5pm.

PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO ELECTRICAL WORK TAKING PLACE IN THE TOWER, THE GALLERIES WILL BE CLOSED ON SAT 14 OCTOBER. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.

Find out more about the University of Dundee Museums

Main image: Detail of a textile sample by Molly Marshalsey, 2019

Background image: Electron density map by John Iball, c.1950s