ENERGY IS PATTERN

Energy is: Pattern! is an exhibition that aims to highlight the psychological and wellbeing effects of patterns. Whether they are geometrical or inspired by natural motifs, patterns are representative of past and present cultures and histories, and we can find them in architecture, visual arts and arts and crafts. Colours, repetitiveness and symmetry bring powerful energy to these designs. Bringing patterns into the hospital is a way for the patients, visitors and staff to travel ‘home’ or far away, and to benefit from the effects of colours, colours’ palettes and from the dynamics of forms. This exhibition aims to show an overview of artists and designers working with patterns in textiles and drawings.  
 
The exhibition presents a series of ornaments traditionally used in different cultures. They come from a magnificent publication compiled by architect Owen Jones in the 19th century, “The Grammar of Ornament”, that gathers together decorations used in architecture, craft as well as manuscripts and books of miniatures. Since then, these designs have been studied and reproduced by artists and designers as part of their education. 
A special focus is dedicated to ‘vintage textiles’ from the Archives of the Glasgow School of Art. These were created in the mid-twentieth century by designers who trained and taught in the renowned art school: Sylvia Chalmers, Dorothy Smith, Margaret Stewart and Robert Stewart. Their designs are a playful mix of vibrant colours and abstract or figurative patterns that still inspire the work of younger artists. Besides these ‘classic designs’ are presented a series of beautiful drawings by Glasgow-based artist Susanne Nørregård Nielsen that refer to avant-garde artist and designer Anni Albers’ instructions for the creation of patterns. 
 
The exhibition is organised in partnership with the Glasgow School of Art and is supported by the NHS Endowments Fund. 

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow 
20 December 2019 – 30 May 2020 
 
Artists presented: Sylvia Chalmers, Susan Susanne Nørregård Nielsen, Dorothy Smith, Margaret Stewart, Robert Stewart 

Part of the programme Animating Public Spaces of the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Acute Hospitals 

Image: Margaret Stewart, Printed Textile "Sepalis", c1953-1954 
GSA reference n° DC 075/10 
Courtesy of the artist and The Glasgow School of Art