Fun With Shadows At Dark Matters

DARK Matters is a new exhibition centred on the theme of shadow, technology and art, which opens at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester at the end of September.

The show has strong interactive and digital elements making it perfect for families.

“The array of digital and interactive works in the exhibition is a great way to introduce younger audiences to the gallery."

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore works of art in a unique, playful and magical space. Daniel Rozin’s Snow Mirror combines state-of-the-art digital software with suspended silk to create a mesmerising piece that projects the viewer into an ethereal snow scene.

Meanwhile, Barnaby Hosking’s turbulent Black Flood takes over an entire gallery and challenges our perceptions in the dark.

A programme of fun and free Dark Matters workshops adds an extra dimension to the exhibition throughout October. In the workshops, children can explore different drawing techniques and use shadow art to create puppets, spooky pictures and frightening mobiles.

Dark Matters is also part of the Campaign for Drawing’s Big Draw festival which seeks to raise the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement. People of all ages can drop into the Shadow Lab for a range of fun activities using light and shadow as the inspiration for their drawings.

Curator Helen Stalker said: “The array of digital and interactive works in the exhibition will amaze and delight our visitors and it is a great way to introduce younger audiences to the gallery.

“Once they have explored the exhibition, they can use their artistic flair to create their own works of art inspired by shadows.”

Dark Matters Exhibition, Whitworth Art Gallery
24 September - 15 January 2012
Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12 – 4pm
Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER

Exhibition and all family activities free

WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES
Suitable for children of all ages, their families and carers

Big Draw Shadow Lab
Every day in October
Noon – 4pm
Make a world of shadows using light as your creative tool.

Shadow Play – Grandparents Day
Sunday 2 October
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Bring along your Grandparents for a fun afternoon of shadow play and create your own puppet to take home.

Dark Drawings
Sunday 16 October
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Meet an artist and explore different drawing techniques. Cast shadows and create your own dark drawings.

Spooky Shadows
Sunday 30 October
1.30pm – 3.30pm
Get prepared to scare! Bring your family and create some spooky shadow art.
Create your own frightening mobile to take home.