Exhibition opens in Perth

Jun 3 2008

A NEW exhibition, ‘Rhythm and Dance’ opens at the Fergusson Gallery, Marshall Place, tomorrow.

Rhythm and dance have been linked for centuries, with rhythm providing the beat in music to bring about the flowing movements of dance. However, the word ‘rhythm’ took on a higher meaning in John Duncan Fergusson’s art.

Fergusson’s first major contact with dance was sketching the dancers of Diaghilev’s Russian Ballet in Paris. Later, as editor of the arts journal Rhythm in 1911, he discovered the philosophy of Henri Bergson, particularly the theory of élan vital (vital force) which Bergson used to explain mankind’s creative impulse.

Fergusson’s work of this time focused on the idea of ‘rhythm’ embodying the élan vital and it contributed greatly to his later connection with dance.

In 1913, Fergusson met and fell in love with the pioneering dancer Margaret Morris, whose liberated method of dance he greatly admired. In the following year Fergusson provided costume designs for Morris’ performance of a ballet to Stravinsky’s ‘Songs of Spring’.

Margaret Morris held her first summer school in Combe Martin, Devonshire, in 1917. This became an annual occurrence in various locations in both Britain and France, and Fergusson would often teach the pupils painting outdoors. Many of Margaret Morris’ pupils became models for Fergusson; his figure sculptures produced during this time represent dancers and goddesses symbolising abundance and fertility.

This new exhibition provides a visual feast of drawings, paintings and sculptures inspired by Fergusson’s relationship with Margaret Morris and the lasting influence of rhythm and dance in his life. This exhibition also offers the chance to see one of Fergusson’s star works, ‘Rhythm’ which has been generously loaned for this exhibition from Stirling University.

Activities for families include the new Art Cart, which provides materials and inspiration for a variety of creative projects and a dance-themed dressing up rail.

The Fergusson Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 10am until 5pm, with Sunday opening from 1pm until 4pm until September. Admission is free. For further information telephone 01738 783425.