Ian Hamilton Finlay
The centenary of celebrated Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006) will be marked by a new, free display of his work at the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern.
About Ian Hamilton Finlay
Sculptor, poet, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, he achieved international renown from the 1970s.
This exhibition will showcase key highlights from Ian Hamilton Finlay’s artistic career, starting in the early 1960s until his death in 2006. Hailed as a unique combination of poet, sculptor, printmaker, gardener and provocateur, Finlay’s practice covered a wide range of media which will be reflected in this display of sculptures and prints as well as never-before-seen archival materials and a room-sized installation, all from Scotland’s national collection.
From the Classical world to the French Revolution, the Enlightenment to World War Two, Finlay, a self-proclaimed ‘anti-modernist’, often looked to history for inspiration. Recurring motifs including boats, tanks, wallflowers and ships can be spotted throughout the range of artwork that will be on display. Although simple by design, they often draw on more complex references to history, literature and art – with subtle humorous nods.
Born in the Bahamas in 1925 to Scottish parents, Finlay moved to Scotland in his early childhood, taking up a brief stint at Glasgow School of Art and eventually settling in Edinburgh in the late 1950s. His love of the written word influenced the start of his career as a playwright and poet. He became a key figure in the concrete poetry movement – a type of visual poetry where words are arranged to create patterns and images on the page.
Visitors will see early examples of Finlay’s concrete poetry, including the screenprint Star/Steer (1966), which tells the visual tale of a ship navigating stormy seas under the silvery light of the stars, presented through cascading words. The artist’s first steps into the world of sculpture will also be explored through his days as a hobbyist toy-maker in 1960s Edinburgh. The exhibition will feature the wooden Toy Cow (1962-63), one of the earliest examples of Finlay’s sculptural work, alongside photographs of the artist amongst his toy creations.
A visionary artist, Finlay harnessed the power of collaboration throughout much of his work, drawing on the expertise of fellow makers and creators to bring his artistic visions to life. From stone-carvers to typographers, ceramicists to calligraphers, he employed a wide range of specialist technicians to realise his work.
In 1966, Finlay and his wife Sue moved into a semi-derelict farmland called Stonypath, south-west of Edinburgh, sheltered within the Pentland Hills. Here, he would go on to create what is often considered his greatest work: an ambitious, expansive garden filled with sculptures. Renamed ‘Little Sparta’, in reference to the Spartan wars in Ancient Greece, and a humorous nod to his own personal battles with organisations such as the Scottish Arts Council, Finlay grew his creative practice in its grounds over the course of 40 years. Rarely leaving its confines for decades due to agoraphobia (a fear of open, crowded spaces), Finlay created over 260 sculptures and artworks at Little Sparta, distributed across its four acres of curated gardens. The site remains an integral part of Finlay’s artistic legacy and is open to the public to enjoy each summer.
Visitors to the exhibition can take a glimpse into the lush grounds of Little Sparta for themselves through Finlay’s installation Nature over again after Poussin (1979). Filling a whole room, the work comprises 11 photographs set on plinths, each offering different viewpoints of Little Sparta. A carved stone can be found within each image, ‘signed’ with the initials of artists who embraced a more classical approach to painting landscapes. The work encourages a moment of escapism, embracing time to get lost within the serenity of each photo.
The exhibition will also take over the Keiller library, where visitors can uncover more about the man behind the artwork through a selection of rare archival materials. Objects including letters, personal photographs and notebooks, many of which have never been on display before, will give a unique insight into Finlay’s inspirations, artwork and life.
Image credit: National Galleries of Scotland
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at National Galleries of Scotland: Modern
Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
READ MORE
Alexander Goudie: La Belle Vie – Act II
The Scottish Gallery proudly presents the second chapter in our celebration of Alexander Goudie’s vivid worlds: the sunlit traditions of Brittany and the theatrical elegance of Glasgow.
READ MORE
Karen Stamper :: Salvage
&Gallery is delighted to welcome back Karen Stamper for her first solo exhibition, Salvage, showing for 5th to 30th July.
READ MORE
Odysseys Through The Storm
Catch this captivating exhibition showcasing the work of Art Psychotherapy graduates from Queen Margaret University at the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from 8th to 12th July!
READ MORE
Exhibition of Artworks by Roy Middleton
‘Elements Series’ is an exciting collection of artworks by Edinburgh artist Roy Middleton exploring other worlds and colour. Catch it at Whitespace from 12 July!
READ MORE
Artists’ Showcase
The Melting Pot and Creative Edinburgh have come together on 16th July to showcase the work of up and coming artists in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
IKEA: Magical Patterns
IKEA Museum's Magical Patterns exhibition comes to Dovecot Studios, celebrating 60 years of innovative textile design.
READ MORE
Dinner in the Garden with Roberta Hall-McCarron
Enjoy an exquisite four course dinner presented by award-winning chef Roberta Hall-McCarron and explore the trailblazing work of Linder: Danger Came Smiling on 24th July at the Royal Botanic Garden!
READ MOREFind other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links