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.

‘Bernini, Scipione Borghese. Villa Borghese, Rome’.

(Mouth) Advert for Pink Lady apples. Designer not credited. Hello Magazine, 13th June 2022, No. 1714. (Eyes) Leigh Bowery at Limelight, London 1987 by Dave Swindells.  Article by Dave Swindells. Tate Etc, Winter 2024, Issue 64. (Head) Day Is Done by Mike Kelley. Installation view at Gagosian, New York 2005.  ‘Mutant Mike’, article by Charlie Fox. Tate Etc, Autumn 2024, Issue 63.

The artwork title comes directly from Clark’s text.

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

Copyright: Alison Aye, 2025.