S Poddar
Legendary personality in British broadcasting, David Dimbleby is embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Barely two weeks after stepping down from his position as the chairman of the independent charity that operates the Towner gallery in Eastbourne, he was selected to become the first president of Towner gallery.
As part of the exhibition, Dimbleby and his daughter, Liza, have co-curated an exceptional show called “Drawing the Unspeakable.” This does some glorious drawing out of a fascinating collection of 300 works by 90 artists, among them a veritable roll call of big names – Tracey Emin, Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Hepworth, Roger Hilton, David Hockney, L.S. Lowry, and Paula Rego.
It probes the very deep dimensions of human experience: disaster, war, displacement, mental and physical illness, loss, grief, birth, family, dreams, memories, and imagination. By drawing, these artists convert the inarticulable into the visual language that makes visible the subtleties of life.
Dimbleby’s passion for the arts shines through with his work curating this exhibition. Having now announced his retirement as chairman of the Towner gallery, he is leaving behind a legacy marked by vision and a determined bid to engender meaningful experiences in art. It’s an exhibition that is appropriately set as a testament to his decade in that institution.
“Co-curating this show has been a thrilling experience,” Dimbleby said. “Instead of writing to each other, we’d exchange drawings by email during the Covid lockdown.” This love for art has given birth to the most outstanding co-curated exhibition.
The Towner gallery will stage the event “Drawing the Unspeakable” from 5 October to 27 April, where visitors will get the opportunity to engage with deep and thought-provoking works. People will get a rare chance to connect with the human experience through the power of art.
