About this artwork
This was the first sculptural commission undertaken by Finlay for the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art since 1976. The work is sited in the grounds of Modern Two. It consists of six separate inscriptions in bronze: Temple, Grove, Horizon, Peace, Shadow and Sheep. Each word is accompanied by its definition and a sentence from a literary source. 'Temple' is seen by visitors when they arrive at the Gallery, and introduces the building as a kind of temple of learning. The other five words face visitors as they look out over the Gallery grounds. They suggest tranquillity and an ideal landscape.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 - 2006) Scottish
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title:Six Definitions
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date created:2001
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materials:Series of wall inscriptions, cast in bronze
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measurements:66.60 x 308.00 cm (temple inscription size); 17.50 x 276.00 cm (grove inscription size); 17.50 x 342.00 cm (shadow inscription size); 17.50 x 292.00 cm (peace inscription size); 17.50 x 362.00 (horizon inscription size); 17.50 x 276.00 cm (sheep…
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object type:
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credit line:Commissioned with Art Fund support, 2001
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accession number:GMA 4404
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gallery:
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subject:
Ian Hamilton Finlay
Ian Hamilton Finlay
Finlay was born in the Bahamas to Scottish parents, who returned to Scotland when he was a child. He attended Glasgow School of Art for a brief period but began his career as a writer of 'concrete poetry'. Finlay's work investigates the power of images and symbols, particularly those associated...
