Our Surroundings

Rooted in and connected to contemporary Dundee, ‘Our Surroundings’ was a major exhibition of new works by seven artists. It took contemporary art beyond the normal confines of the gallery, with works commissioned specially for the exhibition presented both at DCA and elsewhere in the city.

At DCA, Mark Dion presented plans for his major collaboration with Camperdown Wildlife Centre, a project that will result in a remarkable new permanent artwork, in the form of a space for visitors at the Centre’s re-developed bear enclosure later this year. Matt Stokes’ atmospheric film, made in Dundee’s stunning St, Salvador’s Church, brought together two communities, drawing on the city’s history as the home of a small but strong Northern Soul scene. It was accompanied by a series of organ recitals across the city. Jordan Baseman worked closely with Dundee University’s Satellite Receiving Station to create two short films with distinct perspectives, while Bridget Smith drew on the star-gazing work of Mills Observatory for her installation.

Externally, past, present and future collided in three diverse works. Dundee’s renowned river and remarkable natural setting were the backdrop for Olafur Eliasson’s large sculptural waterfall, installed on the university campus, and Apolonija Šušteršič’s ‘meeting place’. Šušteršič’s installation, sited on the waterfront, brought together an influential figure from Dundee’s past – Patrick Geddes – with visions of the city’s future. Working on a more intimate scale, Susan Philipsz used text and sound to engage with place, through an account of a journey around Dundee by the late Alan Woods.

Together the works in ‘Our Surroundings’ prompted a fresh, at times surprising view and offered diverse experiences and a dynamic engagement with our context.

Jordan Baseman, Mark Dion, Olafur Eliasson, Susan Philipsz, Bridget Smith, Matt Stokes, Apolonija Šušteršič

Pressetext

Our Surroundings
Galleries 1 & 2 & elsewhere

mit Jordan Baseman, Mark Dion, Olafur Eliasson, Susan Philipsz, Bridget Smith, Matt Stokes, Apolonija Sustersic