exhibition
Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer
Ran from 5 March 2022 to 4 September 2022
Discover the rebellious energy and innovative performance of the ground-breaking Scottish dancer and choreographer
Michael Clark: Cosmic Dancer was an immersive experience exploring dance, design, art, fashion and music. It is the first major exhibition on Michael Clark and was curated and organised by Barbican, London.
Clark’s choreography changed the landscape of British dance by weaving together subcultures and post-punk energy with the virtuosity and grace of his classical ballet training. A technically brilliant dancer and provocative artist, his acclaimed work has challenged society’s expectations of gender and sexuality from the 1980s right up to the present day.
From costumes and music to graphic design, Clark is a pioneer across disciplines. The exhibition delved into his collaborations with artists, designers, musicians and performers, giving a unique insight into one of Scotland’s most remarkable creative minds.
Clark’s collaborators range from The Fall to Leigh Bowery, from artists Sarah Lucas and Peter Doig to non-professional dancers. His musical influences are diverse, including his hero David Bowie, Patti Smith, T.Rex and composers Erik Satie and Igor Stravinsky.
The exhibition was an extraordinary blend of punk, ballet and popular culture, celebrating a true Scottish radical who has created a revolution in dance.
Image credit: Richard Haughton