Art historians at the University of York have co-curated a major new exhibition and co-edited a book on how John Ruskin’s views on the natural world and environmental change were influenced by the celebrated artist JMW Turner.
John Ruskin, a renowned art critic and writer, spoke passionately about an encroaching ‘Storm Cloud’ in a lecture at the London Institution in 1884. Drawing on many years’ observation, Ruskin’s vision of a darkening sky revealed his deep concern about the negative environmental impact of modern industrial methods.
The scientific community of the time, however, were unimpressed by Ruskin’s theories, which pointed to environmental phenomena that contemporary instruments could not measure.
John Ruskin, a renowned art critic and writer, spoke passionately about an encroaching ‘Storm Cloud’ in a lecture at the London Institution in 1884. Drawing on many years’ observation, Ruskin’s vision of a darkening sky revealed his deep concern about the negative environmental impact of modern industrial methods.
The scientific community of the time, however, were unimpressed by Ruskin’s theories, which pointed to environmental phenomena that contemporary instruments could not measure.
The exhibition also includes new large-scale work by Royal Academician Emma Stibbon, specially commissioned for the show and shown in York for the first time.
A new book will be published to accompany the exhibition, edited by Dr Johns and Honorary Visiting Fellow at the University of York and co-curator of the exhibition, Dr Suzanne Fagence Cooper, which includes a collection of essays on Ruskin and Turner from scientists and artists, including the British actor Timothy Spall, who played JMW Turner in the critically acclaimed film, Mr. Turner.
The book charts how Ruskin was observing changing weather patterns and the impacts of new industry, and the various ways that Turner’s depictions of sunrises, mountains, and storms made him the ideal ‘Modern Painter’ to help Ruskin articulate his deepest concerns for the world.
Dr John’s said: “Rather than present Ruskin’s art and writing as a prophecy of climate change as now understood, the exhibition foregrounds the broader relevance of his environmental way of looking.
“Throughout his life Ruskin demonstrated the value of close observation, critical thinking and a willingness to be outspoken.”
The exhibition, ‘Ruskin, Turner and The Storm Cloud’, opens at York Art Gallery on Friday, 29 March 2019.
