After a True Story: Giant and Fairy Tales

Christine Borland (born 1965)

Gallery of Modern Art

1997

The work shows the outline of two skeletons, installed by placing a cast of the originals on a glass shelf and creating an outline in dust, through which a light is shone to cast a shadow on the supporting wall. The skeletons are of a 7ft adult male and 2ft female child, both of whom lived in the late 18th Century/early 19th Century, were exhibited in 'freak shows', and whose bodies were sold and stolen respectively after their death for scientific research. In the accompanying books the artist re-tells their individual stories. The piece reflects the artist's interest in how scientists work with human remains in a way that can disregard the individuals' identities and personal values.

• Medium: glass & dust & lights & two books
• Dimensions: various
• Art Fund Grant: £15750 ( Total: £38,250)
• ArtFunded in: 2003
• Vendor: Lisson Gallery

Provenance

Lisson Gallery.

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