barnaby barford: the big win

barnaby barford: the big win laing art gallery, newcastle, england on now until september 2, 2012 ‘the big win no.2‘, 2011 H 60 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, enamel paint, wood, other media all images courtesy of barnaby barford

united kingdom-based artist barnaby barford has created a seven-piece ceramic installation entitled ‘the big win: a modern morality tale’, commissioned by and exhibited by the laing art gallery in newcastle, england. the collection of miniature sculptures currently on display is a modern investigation of the human value placed in the aspirations of happiness, friendship and money gain all of which are reflective of the laing’s historical art collection. barford’s works detail the rise and fall of a modern man, unwilling to be a participatory figure in his own life, all the while yearning for a life of glamour, fulfilled momentarily by his lottery win.

the installation is loosely based by the 18th century ‘a rake’s progress’ by william hogarth as well as the contemporary ideals of celebrity and the inclination to live just outside of one’s needs. the final sculpture of the series has been left incomplete, allowing the fate of the rake up to public interpretation. this seventh piece will be completed by the artist six months following the initial installation of the collection. the perceptions of museum goer will protagonist’s ultimately form the final work.

‘the big win’ as the protagonist celebrates his lottery win ‘the big win no.2′ (detail)  H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

a scene depicting the dilapidated existence of the protagonist prior to him winning the lottery ‘the big win no.1’  H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

‘the big win no.1’ (detail)  H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

the big win no.1′ (detail) H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

eight partial billboards detailing value-spending establishments to luxury brands separated in two sets of four with the big winner and his companion flanking either side of the advertisements ‘the big win no.3’ H 48 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

‘the big win no.3’ (detail) H 48 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, other media

the life of luxury had by the protagonist following his lottery win ‘the big win no.4’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, crystals, other media

detailed view of the rake figure surrounded by his lottery winnings at he gambles and spends the gifted funds ‘the big win no.4 (detail)’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, crystals, other media

detailed view of the indulgences had by the protagonist ‘the big win no.4 (detail)’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, crystals, other media

alternate view of the bank notes and gold coins waiting to be spent by the big winner ‘the big win no.4 (detail)’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tiles with decals, enamel paint, wood, crystals, other media

the protagonist in the final piece surrounded by an abyss of nothingness ‘the big win no.5’ H 20 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, enamel paint, wood

detailed view of the protagonist in the final piece with empty pockets extended ‘the big win no.5 (detail)’ H 20 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cmporcelain, enamel paint, wood

the inebriated big winner contemplates the an unsecured loans advertisement ‘the big win no.6’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cm porcelain, tile with decals, enamel paint, wood, brick compound, other media

detailed view of the big winner and the billboard ‘the big win no.6 (detail)’ H 46 cm x W 100 cm x L 60 cmporcelain, tile with decals, enamel paint, wood, brick compound, other media  

‘the big win no.7’ to come in spring 2012