Study Visit: Magnificent Obsessions
Following Richard’s post on Artist’s Studios join us on the 25 April at the Barbican to visit the Magnificent Obsessions – The Artist as Collector exhibition.
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, rare artefacts 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.
More information can be seen here and a review of the exhibition here
To reserve your place please email enquiries@oca.ac.uk
Image Credits: Featured: © Magnificent Obsessions_The Artist as Collector, Barbican Art Gallery. ©Peter MacDiarmid, Getty Images
Others: The Guardian
I don’t collect things in any kind of obsessive way, but do have a range of items, natural and man made, found and bought, in my studio. Sometimes, when i feel stuck with my painting, i make small assemblages of these works, photograph them and then dismantle them. i don’t paint from them, but they do encourage me to look at shapes, surprise combinations and play strategies and that helps my painting.