Wednesday
4 March 2009
19:00 - 21:00
Event video
Bach composed the Goldberg Variations to lull Count Kayserling to sleep. Richard Wagner, Salvador Dali, Albert Einstein, and many other great minds have all claimed to be inspired by their dreams; dreams where thoughts and fantasies flow and occasionally formulate a solution, an idea, a novel or a work of art. Hypnagogia – that blissful transition between being awake and asleep – is a rich source of creativity.
So tonight’s event is all about sleep and creativity. Listen to Bach played live and look at works of art released by their creators’ dreams. Hear from scientist Jim Horne and psychologist Peter Naish about sleep, hypnosis and revelation. Lee Hadwin will tell his amazing story about drawing in his sleep.
And discover your own artistic skills in a workshop with artist Lizzie Burns. Paint a pillow case where your head will lie full of ideas! Get messy and have fun!
There is something for everyone this evening, and you will also have the chance to go to two out of three sessions:
A talk on hypnosis, hypnagogia and hallucinations
A discussion on great works of art, accompanied by live music
Dreams art workshop
Please arrive early so we can allocate you places for the sessions you choose. And while you are waiting for the event to start, why not have supper in the café bar, explore the bed installation or just enjoy beautiful piano music.
This event is organised by:
The Science Museum's Dana Centre
The Royal College of Music
This event is supported by the Wellcome Trust
Speakers
Lizzie Burns, scientist and artist
Lee Hadwin, sleepwalking artist
Jim Horne, Director of the Sleep Research Centre, Loughborough University
Maiko Mori, Pianist, Royal College of Music
Peter Naish, Senior lecturer in Psychology, Open University
Richard Stemp, art historian
Chairman – Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience, Oxford University
This event is free but places must be booked by calling 020 7942 4040 or by e-mailing www.tickets@danacentre.org.uk