Skin
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Critics’ choice - Time Out
"a revelation" - Daily
Telegraph
"fascinating" - Guardian
10 June-26 September 2010
The 'Skin' exhibition invites you to
re-evaluate the largest and probably most overlooked human organ.
We consider the changing importance of skin, from anatomical
thought in the 16th century through to contemporary artistic
exploration.
Covering four themes (Objects, Marks,
Impressions and Afterlives), 'Skin' takes a philosophical approach.
It begins by looking at the skin as a frontier between the
inside and the outside of the body. Early anatomists saw it as
having little value and sought to flay it to reveal the workings of
the body beneath.
The exhibition then moves to look at the skin
as a living document: with tattoos, scars, wrinkles or various
pathologies, our skin tells a story of our life so far. Finally,
the skin is considered as a sensory organ of touch and as a
delicate threshold between life and death.
Skin Lab, which
features artistic responses to cutting-edge research and
technological developments in skin science from the mid-20th
century onwards, will complement the exhibition.
Please note that the exhibition
contains human remains and graphic images. Please call us
on 020 7611 2222 if you would like further
information.
Image credit: 'Mr Green'. Courtesy
of Araminta de Clermont and Michael Hoppen Gallery
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Take a look at a selection of images from the 'Skin' exhibition.
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'Skin Lab' draws attention to cutting-edge research and technological developments in skin science. Contemporary artists also give their take on skin.
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Design a tattoo for a willing volunteer in our tattoo competition.
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'Skin' is supported by a diverse series of intriguing events looking at our skin from all angles.
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A silent film from 1926 takes us through the basic physiology of the human skin.
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Listen to Lucy Shanahan, co-curator of 'Skin', discuss a selection of objects from the exhibition.
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Two short essays that respond to the exhibition from both a fictional and philosophical perspective.