A new interactive exhibition celebrating moving mechanical art is opening at Aberdeen Art Gallery this weekend.
Making Waves: Amazing Machines from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre opens on Saturday 16 May and invites visitors to actively interact with the artworks by turning cranks, pushing buttons and setting the machines in motion.
The exhibition explores the world of contemporary automata where engineering, mechanics and art combine to create playful moving sculptures.
While mechanical artworks date back centuries, the exhibition focuses on the revival of automata making over the last 40 years and the role played by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre founder Sue Jackson in bringing the artform back into public view.
From the late 1970s, Jackson encouraged artists and makers including Peter Markey, Paul Spooner and Ron Fuller to create automata for her craft shop in Falmouth.
The exhibition highlights how this new generation of artists moved away from trying to imitate real life and instead chose to leave the inner workings of their machines visible for audiences to enjoy and understand.
Sarah Alexander, daughter of Sue Jackson, said:
“Cabaret Mechanical Theatre began with my mother’s belief that these makers and their extraordinary creations deserved to be seen.
“I am delighted that her vision continues to give joy to new audiences, and bringing Making Waves to Aberdeen Art Gallery feels like a very special moment in that journey.
“With its rich cultural life, Aberdeen feels like the perfect home for this exhibition.
“We hope that visitors of all ages will come and experience the wonder of these incredible machines.”
Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said:
“Visitors of all ages will really enjoy interacting with these amazing, imaginative artworks.
“It is fascinating to see the mechanisms that animate each piece.
“You are able to see the talent and ingenuity of the artists.
“These are intriguing sculptures which ask serious questions but with a sense of fun.
“This display will delight and inspire everyone who visits and children aged 12 and under go free.”
