Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector
12 Feb - 25 May 2015
Danh Vo, I M U U R 2,
2013, artifacts and tchotkes that belonged to Martin Wong
© Courtesy of the artist and the Barbican Centre
2013, artifacts and tchotkes that belonged to Martin Wong
© Courtesy of the artist and the Barbican Centre
MAGNIFICENT OBSESSIONS: THE ARTIST AS COLLECTOR
12 February - 25 May 2015
This is the first major exhibition in the UK to present the fascinating personal collections of post-war and contemporary artists. Ranging from mass-produced memorabilia and popular collectibles to one-of-a-kind curiosities, rarefied artifacts, and specimens, these collections provide insight into the inspirations, influences, motives and obsessions of artists.
While some artists are connoisseurs, others accumulate hoards of objects, never letting anything go. Many live with and make direct use of their collections and others keep them under wraps or in storage. Collecting objects for research and study is key to the practice of many artists in the exhibition. Presented alongside examples of their work, their collections, in turn, help to elucidate their art.
12 February - 25 May 2015
This is the first major exhibition in the UK to present the fascinating personal collections of post-war and contemporary artists. Ranging from mass-produced memorabilia and popular collectibles to one-of-a-kind curiosities, rarefied artifacts, and specimens, these collections provide insight into the inspirations, influences, motives and obsessions of artists.
While some artists are connoisseurs, others accumulate hoards of objects, never letting anything go. Many live with and make direct use of their collections and others keep them under wraps or in storage. Collecting objects for research and study is key to the practice of many artists in the exhibition. Presented alongside examples of their work, their collections, in turn, help to elucidate their art.