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. 

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