23 January – 21 March 2010
Organised by Tate St Ives: curated by Martin Clark with Michael Bracewell and Alun Rowlands. Supported by Tate Members and Tate St Ives Members.
This group exhibition explores the influence of folklore, mysticism, mythology and the occult on the development of art in Britain. Focusing on works from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day it will consider, in particular, the relationship they have to the landscape and legends of the British Isles.
Taking its title from the infamous 1962 book by St Ives artist Sven Berlin, the exhibition features major loans from the Tate Collection, regional collections, lenders and artists, and will examine the development of early Modernism, Surrealism and Neo-Romanticism in the UK, as well as the reappearance of esoteric and arcane references in a significant strand of contemporary art practice.
The exhibition will include a key work by Damien Hirst, the first time he has been shown at the new Towner, as well as works by important modernists and surrealists including Graham Sutherland, Paul Nash, Barbara Hepworth, Bryan Wynter and Ithell Colquhoun; Neo-Romantics such as Cecil Collins, John Piper and Leslie Hurry; along with emerging and established contemporary artists including Cerith Wyn Evans, Mark Titchner, Eva Rothschild, Simon Periton, Clare Woods, Steven Claydon, John Stezeker, Adam Chodzko and Derek Jarman.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris,said,“It’s an incredible coup for Eastbourne to have such a big and high profile show for Towner’s first paying exhibition. With nearly 200 artworks from some of the most significant artists of the last century, including Damien Hirst and Barbara Hepworth, this show is really something out of the ordinary and we have been delighted to work with Tate St Ives to bring it to the new Towner.
“This is a great example of the calibre of exhibition Towner intends for its annual paying show, and how we can work with Tate through the Tate Connects programme to ensure that world class art, both historic and contemporary, is brought to the region.
“With a fantastic programme of events planned around the exhibition, including a Dark Weekend with free events for families and young people, Eastbourne will be a magical place to be for the next few months!”
This exhibition was originally curated for Tate St Ives, running from 10 October 2009 – 10 January 2010. The themes of the exhibition will take on a renewed resonance within the new Towner, with its strong connection to the ancient Sussex landscape through the Towner Collection and the gallery’s new location on the edge of the South Downs. A number of artists featured in The Dark Monarch, including Eric Ravilious, Adam Chodzko and John Piper, are also represented in the renowned Towner Collection.
Curated by Martin Clark, Artistic Director, Tate St Ives, Michael Bracewell, writer and critic and Alun Rowlands, artist, writer and Head of Fine Art, University of Reading, the show will be arranged thematically rather than chronologically, representing artists and influences across generations.
There will be a range of events associated with this show suitable for adults, young people and families, including The Dark Weekend, a weekend of dark film, activities and workshops for all ages inspired by the themes in this exhibition, and a one-day symposium exploring the ideology behind the show.
Towner is also launching a brand new membership scheme offering extensive benefits to those who join, including unlimited free entry to all Towner paying exhibitions such as The Dark Monarch. Please contact towner@eastbourne.gov.uk for more information.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Mondays except Bank Holidays.
Admission to The Dark Monarch: £5.50 / £4 concessions / under 18s free. Admission to Towner and other exhibitions: free of charge.
