The Cosmic Dance: Finding Patterns and Pathways in a Chaotic Universe

A visual journey from the minute to the infinite, exploring the relationships and harmonies between all parts of the universe and inspiring personal contemplation regarding our own place within it.

Join renowned image alchemist Stephen Ellcock, in conversation with artist and art writer Matthew Collings, as he presents a pan-global collection of remarkable and arresting images drawn from the history of art to explore the ancient belief that the cosmos is reflected in all living things.

An eloquent introduction to his new collection The Cosmic Dance, this evening provides the central themes and expert commentaries as well as bitesize information on key concepts and key thinkers – philosophers, writers, artists and scientists interspersed throughout the artworks prompt a closer, more personal engagement with the images.

The perfect guide to a deeper contemplation of the world around us, allowing readers, in the words of William Blake, to ‘see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour’.

Stephen Ellcock is a London-based curator, writer, researcher and online collector of images who has spent the last decade creating an ever-expanding virtual museum of art that is open to all via social media. His ongoing attempt at creating the ultimate social media ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ has so far attracted more than 600,000 followers worldwide. He is also the author of All Good Things, The Book of Change, England on Fire, with text by Mat Osman, and Jeux de Mains, a collaboration with Cécile Poimboeuf-Koizmi.

Matthew Collings is an artist and art writer. He lives in Norfolk. He has written and presented many TV series on art. His 6-part series for Channel 4, This Is Modern Art won a BAFTA among many other awards.

His books on art are very popular. Blimey! From Bohemia to Britpop: The London art-world from Francis Bacon to Damian Hirst was published by David Bowie. David told Channel Five News at the launch of the book in April 1997: “It’s superficially gossipy but Matthew actually makes some very serious points.” Artforum said it was the “most popular book on contemporary art ever.”

Matthew’s collaborative abstract paintings based on patterns, done with mosaicist Emma Biggs, are represented by VigoGallery in Mason’s Yard, London. Vigo also represents Matthew’s solo drawings which are based on art and art history. They can be seen on Matthew’s Instagram page @matthew.collings_

Matthew has sold 2,000 of these drawings on the Artists Support Pledge (founded by Matthew Burrows MBE) in the last two years. Matthew is currently working on a book of drawings which he says will answer the questions, ”What’s going on, why do we have souls, what is art for?”