Five Set Conversation Pieces
Artist
Christine Borland
(Darvel, Scotland, born 1965)
Date1998
Mediumhandpainted and glazed bone china on glass and wood shelves
ClassificationsSculptures
DimensionsOverall length: 550 cm
5 pelvises with matching skulls, each pelvis measuring 14.5 x 24 x 17 cm.
5 Shelves, of wood and glass, each shelf measuring 36 x 31 x 36 x cm.
5 pelvises with matching skulls, each pelvis measuring 14.5 x 24 x 17 cm.
5 Shelves, of wood and glass, each shelf measuring 36 x 31 x 36 x cm.
AcquisitionPurchased in 2001 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions, the National Art Collections Fund, the Scottish Arts Council and with income from the Macdonald Bequest.
Copyright© Christine Borland (2002)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG013983
About MeThis work was inspired by a visit the artist made to Liverpool Museum, where she saw examples of delicately painted china bowls dedicated to ships' maiden voyages. The pieces refer to the trading of goods, including slaves, but also draw on Borland's own personal experience - at the time that she created this work she had recently given birth to her first child.
She cast these pelvises and foetal skulls from obstetric models. The skulls are positioned near the pubic bone, according to the five most common delivery positions. This marrying of art and science is a common theme in the artist's work.
Christine Borland was shortlisted for the Turner prize in 1997.
More About Me
These delicate and intricate objects certainly provoke a conversation: are they beautiful or morbid? Can they be both? What do you think is the story behind them?
Exhibitions
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736 - 1795
Jean-Louis Forain
James Cowie
