About this artwork

Barclay was commissioned to make this installation as part of GENERATION: 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland. Although her sculptural works are abstract, the textures, forms and colours she uses are often bodily and evocative. In ‘Trappings’, three wooden structures act as a frame for sculptural objects and materials that have been manipulated in different ways: wool is pulled taught to create tension, leather straps hang loosely, and bulbous ceramic and brass objects are placed alongside printed fabric. Barclay has spoken about her sculptures being in a state of ‘pause’, poised between making and dismantling. This often creates a sense of stillness or awkwardness that Barclay deliberately intends to be uncomfortable.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Claire Barclay (born 1968) Scottish
  • title:
    Trappings
  • date created:
    2014
  • materials:
    Wood, wool, leather, ceramics, printed fabric, feathers, machined brass and honey
  • measurements:
    Variable
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased with the Iain Paul Fund 2015
  • accession number:
    GMA 5522
  • gallery:
  • glossary:
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Claire Barclay

Claire Barclay