26 May 2010 - 2 May 2011
Gallery 2

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Claire Barclay’s sculpture becomes the inspiration for live dance performances by outstanding British choreographers.

Shadow Spans is an installation specially made in response to Gallery 2’s bare brick walls and concrete floor by Glasgow-based artist Claire Barclay. From 1–14 November free daily dance performances give a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of creating a new production, as Ben Ash, Henrietta Hale and Rachel Lopez de la Nieta of Dog Kennel Hill Project respond to the artworks through contemporary dance.

Claire Barclay is a leading figure in a generation of young sculptors who have re-engaged with craft techniques and the symbolic resonance of materials. The architectural mix of the East End with its dark cobbled alleyways, and patchwork of Georgian townhouse and modern buildings are refracted into her sculptures. Door and window-like forms create the basis for structures around which fabrics and objects are gathered. Top hats, the fingers of gloves, bird cages and glinting fetishistic metal give clues to the world outside and to the lives lived behind closed doors. Barclay has created a complex space for peeking around corners and for being observed.

Free education resource available to download:
Conversations and Actions 

Extended interpretation text

Supported by:

The Bloomberg Commission invites an international artist to create an annual site-specific artwork inspired by the rich history of the former library. Bloomberg’s support reflects its commitment to innovation, and its ongoing efforts to expand access to art, science and the humanities.

Additional support provided by the Wingate Scholarships. Claire Barclay is the Wingate Artist-in-Residence at the Whitechapel Gallery.