Skip to main content
The unfolding by Craig Richardson
The Unfolding
The unfolding by Craig Richardson
The unfolding by Craig Richardson

The Unfolding

Artist (Glasgow, Scotland, born 1966)
Date1993
Mediuminstallation
ClassificationsInstallations
AcquisitionThe Scottish Arts Council Bequest, 1997.
Copyright© Craig Richardson (2002)
LocationView by Appointment
Object numberABDAG013658
About MeCraig Richardson studied at Glasgow School of Art during the 1980's and now lives in London. 'The Unfolding' is one of a series of large scale text/colour works made by Richardson in the mid 1980's. The texts are a considered ordering of synonyms which allude to what is acceptable and what is not in the sphere of political thought and action. The texts play with the euphemistic power of language, often used in society in such phrases as 'friendly fire' or 'care in the community.' Rather than presenting these as 'quiet' coersive euphemisms, Richardson shows these in the highly visible colour combination of yellow and black, emulating a warning sign.
More About Me
This work satirises the use of euphemisms, particularly in politics. What real-life euphemisms do you think could have inspired these examples?
Archive, Blue Sierra
Barbara Rae
2010
Archive, Orgiva
Barbara Rae
2010
Long Sampler (Multi Coloured)
Possibly 1820s - 1830s
Black Sky
William R. S. MacArthur
1989
Leafy Self-portrait
John Byrne
2011
Japanese Hand-Painted Parasol
Taisho Period, c.1924
Small Cloisonne Yu-I Sceptre
James Cromar Watt
late 18th Century
Childs Cross Stitch Sampler
Christian Bruce
1820-1840