Join us for an exploration of transcendence and the eternal harmony of nature at ‘Immortals‘ an exhibition featuring the captivating drawings of Janice Deary. Located in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, at the prestigious Patriothall Gallery within the Wasps Studios, this showcase promises to be a transformative experience.
Discover the intricate beauty of Janice Deary’s drawings as she draws inspiration from the wisdom of Daoist poetry. Through charcoal strokes, Deary brings to life the timeless verses of Laozi, Hanshan, and Bai Juyi, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this mesmerizing exhibition, where art and philosophy converge to illuminate the path to enlightenment. Mark your calendars for April 6th to 14th and join us on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience the transcendent beauty of ‘Immortals.’
Daoism, rooted in the philosophy of Dao, embodies the eternal Way of nature, advocating for a profound reverence for the natural world and its ever-changing cycles of growth and decay. In Daoist tradition, an ‘immortal’ is not only someone who attains longevity but also one who lives in harmony with the Way, whether they be a sage, a poet, or even a tree.
The inspiration for this body of work came from a transformative encounter with Daoist poetry. Moved by the profound wisdom contained within these ancient verses, the artist embarked on a journey to visually interpret them using charcoal as her medium. Poets such as Laozi, Hanshan, and Bai Juyi serve as muses for this exhibition, their words guiding the artist’s creative expression.
Charcoal was a deliberate choice for this project, symbolizing the connection to the vegetative life cycle and echoing the medium’s use by our prehistoric ancestors. Working with charcoal evokes a sense of continuity with the past, reinforcing Daoism’s message of our interconnectedness with larger communities and timelines. The scale of the artwork is intentionally grand, allowing the artist to immerse herself fully in the creative process, making sweeping gestural marks on the surface. The vertical display of the artwork pays homage to the hanging scroll tradition, further enriching the viewer’s experience.
In addition to charcoal drawings, this exhibition ventures into the realm of stop-motion animation. A screening of a short film in the back gallery portrays the poignant narrative of grasses reemerging after a fire, inspired by a Daoist poem.
Originally hailing from South Africa, Janice Deary has made her home in Fife. With a background in philosophy, both as a student and teacher, Janice completed her MFA in 2020. since then her work has been showcased in exhibitions across Scotland and internationally.
Spring comes and goes,
Deep in fallen flowers and streams.
People are unaware
Of all the immortals around them.
Lü Dongbin
‘Immortals’: an exhibition of drawings by Janice Deary
Patriothall Gallery
Patriothall, EH3 5AY
6-14 April 2024
Saturdays and Sundays 11am – 4pm
