The Unfolding

Artist Craig Richardson (Glasgow, Scotland, born 1966)

Date1993

Mediuminstallation

ClassificationsInstallations

AcquisitionThe Scottish Arts Council Bequest, 1997.

LocationView by Appointment

Object numberABDAG013658

Keywords

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.
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This work satirises the use of euphemisms, particularly in politics. What real-life euphemisms do you think could have inspired these examples?