To mark the centenary of Ian Hamilton Finlay, STAMPA presents 'FRAGMENTS', a curated exhibition exploring the diverse work of the Scottish poet, artist, and founder of Little Sparta. The exhibition highlights Finlay's unique integration of language and material, showcasing his use of poetry, philosophy, and history across media such as stone, wood, and print.
Ian Hamilton Finlay: FRAGMENTS is a significant exhibition organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the influential Scottish artist and poet. Curated by Pia Maria Simig, the show examines the broad spectrum of Finlay's creative practice, which spans from traditional concrete poetry to the establishment of the renowned artist garden 'Little Sparta.' His work is characterized by the inventive application of language—often using individual words or semiotic formulas—carved into stone, wood, and other materials to create works that interact directly with their environment.
The exhibition features a range of mediums, including stone reliefs, wooden sculptures, and prints, illustrating how Finlay transformed linguistic concepts into tangible, three-dimensional forms. Throughout his career, Finlay collaborated with numerous skilled artisans to realize his vision, embedding his 'one-word poems' and inscriptions into both private objects and public landscapes. This exhibition, occurring simultaneously with similar projects in eight international galleries, serves as a comprehensive look at the enduring impact of his work and accompanies a new publication featuring one hundred selected works from his oeuvre.