One-of-a-kind, original artwork, 2025

24.5 x 17cm

Paper, PVA, thread

Hand-stitched collage, intended for my recent exhibition at the Barbican Library in London, but unfinished at the time of installation. I used discarded magazines and the book ‘Civilisation’ by Kenneth Clark. First published by John Murray/BBC in 1969, this edition printed in 1971. Bought for 50p from a charity shop.

That’s the book to accompany the ancient TV series, responsible for my questionable early art education (didn’t include female artists). I turned each page (along with old museum magazines, and the like - see below) into a collage.

‘Donatello, David. Bargello, Florence’. Nude except for helmet and boots, standing on Goliath’s severed head. Bronze, 158cm, c1440s. Probably commissioned by the Medicis.

Two-Part Sculpture, 1966/67, by Mariá Bartuszová. Bronze, 25 x 12 x 3cm. From the article ‘A Futurist Form’ by Anke Kempkes. Estate of Maria Bartuszova/ Alison Jaques. Photo by Michael Brzezinski. Tate Etc, Autumn 2022, Issue 56.

In the Kitchen (Stove) by Helen Chadwick, 1977. The estate of the artist/ Richard Saltoun Gallery. Tate leaflet advertising ‘Women in Revolt!’, Tate Britain, Nov’ 2023 - April 2024. 

The artwork title comes directly from Clark’s text.

Price includes UK postage, and a 5% donation to Arts Emergency.

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2025.