Conversations with the Collection | Transformations
Whether spinning, rising, piercing, or contorting, every artwork in this display is in the process of transformation. From the frenetic energy of Tracey Emin’s scrawled lines, through the oozing central mass of Pat Douthwaite’s painting, to the skewed imagery in Alex Dordoy’s prints, transgressive new forms are taking shape. All these artworks share a common reference point: the human body.
In the exhibition space, a host of bodies and bodily forms are gathered, taking up position relative to one another. Pregnant, hybrid, distorted, dissected, and even inside out bodies are all engaged in the encounter.
Though these artists may be approaching bodily transformation via different motivations and media, there are numerous criss-crossing connections between the forms, practices, and ideas represented. Some artworks grapple with sexual and gender-related symbolism. Some take personal stories as a starting point to address universal questions. Some engage with theoretical concepts like ‘the uncanny’, or creative techniques like ‘automatism’. Others reflect on fundamental aspects of bodily experience including birth, sex, reproduction, and death.
From cool smooth marble to textured powdered pigment, through their making and materials, all these artworks appeal to the senses. Drawing on the relationship between the optical and the tactile, they invite an awareness of sensation without the need to touch.
Display accessibility
Location
Gallery facilities
Detailed information on accessibility at the National Galleries of Scotland
Parking for visitors is available at both Modern One and Modern Two. A donation is requested of £5 for up to 4 hours and £9 for 4-8 hours. Our payment meters have contactless capability. There is free accessible parking for blue badge holders.
Getting here
The Modern is located 15 minutes’ walk from Princes Street. It includes two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, set in a beautiful sculpture park.
Conversations with the Collection displays
Explore the other displays in Conversations with the Collection.
Between Stillness and Animation
Katy Dove, You, 2003
Making a Mark
Experiencing Colour
Architecture and Abstraction
From the Hearth
Material Matters
Creative Terrains
Selves and Stand-Ins
Audio tours
Welcome Audio Tour
For this tour, our curators introduce the themes of the display room by room and explain how they have drawn from the collection of modern and contemporary art to unearth evocative stories and create bold comparisons between the artists, ideas and ways of making.
A conversation piece
For this tour audio tour of the Conversations with the Collection display at Modern One we have invited guests to share their thoughts on a selection of artworks from the display. Not knowing in advance which artworks they would be discussing, these responses are honest, real and unscripted.
Audio Described Tour
Enjoy a selection of audio descriptions of artworks at from Conversations with the Collection. Taking over the top level of Modern One, this display is a celebration of Scottish and international modern and contemporary art.
Related articles & talks
Staff Insights on Sarah Lucas
In this blog Edward Wilkinson looks at the work of English artist Sarah Lucas.
Pat Douthwaite panel discussion
Professor Susannah Thompson (Glasgow School of Art) and Berlin-based curator Kyla McDonald discuss the life and work of Scottish artist Pat Douthwaite.
Friends go free
Become a Friend to enjoy unique access to the nation’s art collection with unlimited free entry to exhibitions, Friends-only exhibition previews and a 10% discount in our gallery shops & cafés.
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