WORK OF THE WEEK: Phyllida Barlow, untitled: broken shelf, 2010

Phyllida Barlow
untitled: broken shelf
2010
Timber, plaster, tape
90 x 140 x 70 cm
35 ⅖ x 55 ⅛ x 27 ½ in.

untitled: broken shelf (2010) is an example of Phyllida Barlow’s playful experimentation with mass-produced construction materials. Its precarious position, hung on the wall, suspends the work in a state of both construction and destruction. The sculpture is made of timber wrapped in colourful tape; all attached together with textured plaster. 

untitled: broken shelf was first shown in 2010 at V22 Studio Ashwin Street, London as part of an installation named Swamp where Barlow transformed her studio into a space to show her recent work. Barlow stated there is no inherent meaning to her work and instead opens up her sculpture’s materials and process to a conversation with the viewer.

The virgin wood, the unsullied tape, the freshly-poured paint speaks of potential and coming into existence or something part-way through a process.

- Sally O'Reilly

In 2007, the New Art Centre hosted an exhibition of Phyllida Barlow with her characteristic colourful sculptures displayed both in the park and in the main gallery. A selection of her work can now be seen in the Design House.

Barlow represented Great Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2017 with her installation folly and was awarded a CBE in 2015 and DBE in 2021.

Barlow's life and sculpture will be celebrated in a discussion held at Salisbury Cathedral on 16th September between art historian, Jo Baring, artist and Barlow's husband, Fabien Peake and, artist and Barlow's former student, Olivia Bax.