Summerhall
Ian Hamilton Finlay: Fewer Laws, More Examples
2 August – 27 September 2012
An investigation of Ian Hamilton Finlay’s fascination with the French Revolution through his prints and object multiples. In Demarco Foundation, Gallery A.
1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH
0131 560 1590
Mon—Sun, 11am—9pm (during the Festival)
Free admission
Ingleby Gallery
Ian Hamilton Finlay
2 August – 27 October 2012
An exhibition of sculpture and audio visual installation by Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925-2006). Drawing on the artist's work in many mediums and across several decades, the exhibition celebrates one of Scotland's most important 20th century artists. At the heart of the exhibition is a re-discovered moment of genius from the late 1970's. Carrier Strike (1977) is a classic Finlayesque clash of the heroic and the domestic: in this case, an epic air/sea battle played out on the surface of an ironing board. Photographed by Carl Heideken and set to music by John Purser, the ironing board becomes an aircraft carrier, surrounded by destroyer irons and small model planes amongst cotton wool clouds. Like all Finlay’s best work, his ideas are deeply layered and delivered with gentle humour.
Ian Hamilton Finlay’s place in the history of twentieth century art seems more central with every passing year as new generations of artists begin to understand the importance of his singular and uncompromising spirit. This exhibition will be followed most notably by a major presentation of Finlay’s work in Brazil, at the Sao Paulo Biennale in September, and in London at Tate Britain in November.
Also showing:
Billboard for Edinburgh
Following his commission for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, Craig Coulthard kicks off the 5th year of Ingleby Gallery's Billboard for Edinburgh project, which every three months invites an artist to make a work for a billboard outside the gallery. As part of the project, the billboard image is also realised as a limited edition print.
1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1QH
0131 560 1590
Mon—Sat, 10—6pm
Sun, 12—5pm (August only)
Free admission
Events
Bus tour to Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta
17 August, 24 August, 31 August
1pm
21 August 2012
Poetry Reading: Ian Hamilton Finlay
4.00-4.30pm
30 August 2012
The ESSAY, BBC Radio 3: Kevin Harman
4pm