Output details

Only Connect exhibition and DVD

In 2008, the National Portrait Gallery invited Peter Sheppard Skaerved to co-curate a music-centred exhibition, working with Paul Moorhouse, 20th Century Curator at the Gallery. The Exhibition which emerged comprised 45 pictures, ranging from Maria Cosway to Michael Tippett, in media ranging from oil to mezzo-tint, joined by a laminated network of connections, and explained by a large 'viewing table' in the centre of the room. In addition to the physical exhibit, a virtual exhibit was constructed in the NPG website, with a panoramic photo and links taking the viewer to detailed entries which Sheppard Skaerved prepared for the NPG.

'Only Connect' was then used as the lynchpin for six months of events in the NPG. Four concerts were presented, reflecting on the themes of the exhibit, and a number of curator talks. In addition there were independent youth and photographic projects reflecting on the exhibit. Two articles were written by Sheppard Skaerved for the NPG Magazine: 'Only Connect' and 'My Favourite Portrait'.

New music was a vital component in the project; composers Elliott Schwartz and David Gorton both wrote works inspired by the exhibition, which were premiered in the gallery and recorded and filmed in situ: http://youtu.be/Hdd7SgAKX7U and http://youtu.be/0um2sfwglvo

During the exhibition, Sheppard Skaerved collaborated with film-maker Colin Still in the making of a film 'Only Connect'. This gives an opportunity to see the process, right back to Sheppard Skaerved’s abstract drawings, which provided the starting point for both the structure and 'look' of the resulting installation. This film also includes interviews with Paul Moorhouse and composer David Gorton, as well as time-lapse views of the complex hanging process. Included in the film are performances of the new works written for the exhibit, as well as 'extra material' exploring for example, Jelly d'Aranyi's connections to Robert Schumann.