Artist Research
Artist 1 - Phyllida Barlow
Phyllida Barlow was a British visual artist known for creating large scale sculptural installations. Often made from materials such as cement, plaster, metal, foam, fabric, cardboard, and wood, Barlow's industrial-architecture-inspired sculptures often consume and take advantage of the environments they are placed within. Bordering on absurdity in their appearance, Barlow used her sculptures as evidence of her processes and time, more so than a representation of artistic concept.
Referenced from:
“INTERVIEW // Phyllida Barlow.”. The Courtauld. https://courtauld.ac.uk/research/research-resources/publications/immeditations-postgraduate-journal/immediations-online/2017-2/interview-phyllida-barlow/
Academy, Royal. 2020. “PHYLLIDA.” YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krbUNuUMVQs.
"Untitled: Double Act" (2010)
Two sculptures made from plaster, fabric, scrim, spray paint, plywood, expanding foam, wire, and mesh
"Unscripted" (2024-2025)
Various sculptures shown in tandem as one exhibition after Barlow's death.
Artist 2 - Jimmie Durham
Jimmie Durham was an American artist known for his performances, sculptures, and poetry, using such artistic expressions to comment on matters such as identity and politic within America. Durham was also known to be an activist, supporting Native Americans and other indigenous groups by challenging group stereotypes.
"Smashing" (2004)
This was a performance did wherein Durham sits at a desk in a black suit and when presented with objects on his desk by various individuals, he uses a large rock to destroy them. Durham then stamps a pad of paper, signing it and then tearing it off, giving it to the individual who initially presented the object to him. Through this performance, Durham comments on and critiques; the existence of bureaucratic systems, the misuse of power, and disregard for others within higher authorities.
Referenced from:
“Phyllida Barlow - Unscripted.” n.d. Hauser & Wirth. https://www.hauserwirth.com/hauser-wirth-exhibitions/phyllida-barlow/.
“Jimmie Durham - Smashing (2004)”. n.d. Www.youtube.com. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dFd5iNBj_c.
Artist 3 - James Lee Byars
James Lee Byars was an American conceptual and visual artist who was primarily known for installation, performance, and sculptural work. Byars often used his work to touch upon ideas of "perfection", using spheres as an example of such concept through their absoluteness and "impenetrable" form. Some of the materials he used within his works included stone, silk, gold, and marble.
Referenced from:
Review of Art Forum. n.d. Art Guide. Peder Lund. Accessed May 7, 2025. https://artguide.artforum.com/uploads/guide.003/id12801/press_release.pdf.
“The Path of Luck – Kröller-Müller Museum.” 2025. Krollermuller.nl. 2025. https://krollermuller.nl/en/james-lee-byars-the-path-of-luck.
"The Tomb of James Lee Byars" (1986)
A large sphere made from limestone.
"Byars Is Elephant" (1997)
A knotted sphere made of camel-hair rope placed on a pedestal which is draped in a gold silk.
"Is Is" (1988)
A pair of large spheres made of basalt.
Artist 4 - Kate Gilmore
Kate Gilmore is an American artist who is most known for her performances in which she comments on political and social issues, particularly those which pertain to women. Within her work, Gilmore is often the sole feature, performing various acts and stunts in stereotypically feminine clothing and footwear (such as high heels, and dresses).
Referenced from:
“Kate Gilmore: In Your Way.” 2016. Museum of Art. December 5, 2016. https://www.bates.edu/museum/exhibitions/kate-gilmore-in-your-way/.
2025. Whitney.org. 2025. https://whitney.org/artists/12141.
"My Love Is An Anchor" (2004)
A video performance in which Gilmore attempts to pry her left leg free from a bucket of solidified plaster.
Artist 5 - Lynda Benglis
Lynda Benglis is an American sculptor who is known for creating sculptures by pouring liquids of varying viscosities such as latex, wax, and foam onto wire structures, floors, or walls.
Referenced from:
“BOMB Magazine | Lynda Benglis.” n.d. BOMB Magazine. https://bombmagazine.org/articles/2016/12/15/lynda-benglis/.
Art21. 2024. “Lynda Benglis in ‘Boundaries’ - Season 6 - ‘Art in the Twenty-First Century’ | Art21.” YouTube. January 18, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AefOTSt68a0.
SINGULART. 2024. “Exploring Eat Meat by Lynda Benglis.” Magazine. April 21, 2024. https://www.singulart.com/blog/en/2024/04/22/eat-meat-by-lynda-benglis/?srsltid=AfmBOorClxGyv_1N2NumxL3d5AdG-y_M2eFrM07NvzX_yL11BBQi4Jsf.
"Boundaries" (2010-2011)
Latex sculptures within an exhibition at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum.
Artist 6 - Holly Hendry
Holly Hendry is a British artist known for her sculptural installations. Hendry's work investigates inner bodily processes using materials such as latex, coloured plaster, silicone, and Jesmonite.
Referenced from:
Walton, Millie. 2021. “Material Transformation: An Interview with Holly Hendry - Trebuchet.” Trebuchet-Magazine.com. June 3, 2021. https://www.trebuchet-magazine.com/holly-hendry/.
“HOLLY HENDRY.” n.d. Hollyhendry.com. https://hollyhendry.com/work.
YaleBritishArt. 2023. “At Home: Artists in Conversation | Holly Hendry.” YouTube. May 24, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvjC5ebDfGI.
"Gum Souls" (2018)
A sculpture from an exhibition in Italy.
Referenced from:
“HOLLY HENDRY.” 2025. Hollyhendry.com. 2025. https://hollyhendry.com/work/gumsouls.
"Gut Feelings" (2016)
An installation made from blocks of layered plaster, with white abstract metal poles and shapes.
Referenced from:
“HOLLY HENDRY.” 2025. Hollyhendry.com. 2025. https://hollyhendry.com/work/gumsouls.
