9 — 31
March
2022
‘In Search of the Sun’ draws on the sculpture Eastre, (Hymn to the Sun) (1924) by JD Fergusson, a work from Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums’ collection. ‘In Search of the Sun’ explores how, over time and geography, the meanings associated with the figure of Eastre have changed significantly and complicates JD Fergusson’s depiction of her as a Saxon goddess, drawing on multiple historical references from across Europe and the Middle East. The figure of Eastre began as Inanna in Mesopotamia, mutating into Ishtar in Assyria, Oshtara in Germany and then, via the English monk Bede the Venerable became known as Eostre in eighth century Christian Northumbria.
Eastre was originally understood as a ‘promiscious figure of political power, martial prowess and sexual allure’ in her earliest incarnation and by the time her name was mentioned in England, she was being depicted as a goddess of fertility and spring.
‘In Search of the Sun’ can take the form of a live performance art work as well as a multichannel video installation. It is presented here, online, as a single channel video.
Captions by Valery Tough.
This screening is supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding.
Closed Captions
Part of ONE WORK
ONE WORK is a regular online programme exploring contemporary moving image practice in Scotland and beyond. ONE WORK focuses closely on a single work offering a distinctive insight into artists’ working processes and critical concerns. Each installment includes a month-long online screening, accompanying audio conversation and a specially commissioned written response.
The ONE WORK library features essays, creative responses and conversations dating back to 2021.
Part of Aberdeen Programme
The LUX Scotland Aberdeen Programme aimed to support early career Aberdeen-based artists and curators. The programme ran from 2018 to 2024 and has included job opportunities, workshops, screenings and online commissions. The programme was led by Project Manager Rachel Grant between 2021–24.
Supported by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding, this continued our previous work to support, develop and promote artists’ moving image practices across Scotland, and builds on our work in the Aberdeen area.