Animal magic: it’s story time with Barnaby Barford’s menagerie

Status of animals are in a que.
British artist Barnaby Barford has transformed David Gill Gallery into a zoo with his latest artworks
(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

David Gill Gallery in London presents a new body of work by British artist Barnaby Barford, including new ceramics pieces as well as the first showing of his drawings on paper. The exhibition includes a series of animal sculptures – marching in single file across the gallery floor – as well as seven large-scale Word Drawings’, while a second room features animal heads mounted like trophies on mirrors, offering an ominous interpretation of the zoomorphic presence in the exhibition.

The focal point is no doubt the queue of animals, leading towards a life-sized polar bear. The animals that Barford chose for this (an elephant, deer, a hare, among others) are all hunted and somewhat endangered in their habitat. Here, they behave with almost human-like mannerisms in his sculptures, waiting patiently in a queue.

Many animals are there.


(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

Installation view of 'Me Want Now' at David Gill Gallery

A key to interpret this body of work is offered by the Word Drawings: Barford chose seven words, such as 'change', 'glory', and 'power', which identify ideals to strive for in modern society. ‘They are virtuous words, that have driven humankind to do great things,’ says the artist. But they can easily become warped when repeated incessantly, or exasperated through political propaganda, he explains.

‘It feels that words have never been so important,’ adds Barford, ‘those written in the press, posted across social media and in speeches. In volatile times, words can be dangerous.’ His drawings are a portrait of this exasperation, repeating the words on paper until they overlap to become abstract images. The same patterns from the Word Drawings are reproduced on the ceramic pieces giving shapes to the sculptures.

Barford has spent a year working on this exhibition, during which time political and social developments have changed his perception of the works on display. ‘The political landscape has shifted massively,’ he says, ‘and the title "Me Want Now" took on new meaning.’ Barford’s exploration touches upon themes of dissatisfaction, selfish pursuit and its effects, a sort of ‘empathy fatigue’, as he calls it, which seems to be invading modern society. ‘Although I am influenced by current affairs and politics, I think the inspiration comes from looking at bigger subjects,’ he says. ‘I am using current affairs to explore these themes that are more abstract.’

Beautiful art gallery.

The exhibition includes Barford's frenetic Word Drawings and animal heads mounted like hunting trophies

(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

Animal heads are mounted on mirror.

Left, a queue of animal sculptures march in single file towards a life-size polar bear. Right, animal heads are mounted on mirror, allowing viewers to see the works from different perspectives

(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

Animal heads are mounted on mirror.

Large-scale frenzied Word Drawings embody 'the chaotic immediacy and almost forceful nature of the "me first" culture', says the gallery

(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

There are many animals.

Installation view of 'Me Want Now' at David Gill Gallery

(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

A beautiful art gallery.

This is the first time that Barford's works on paper are exhibited

(Image credit: Barnaby Barford)

Information

'Me Want Now' is on view until 21 December. For more information, visit the David Gill Gallery website

Address

David Gill Gallery
2-4 King Street
London SW1Y 6QP

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.