Mark Wallinger. Self Reflection

About

The artist has created a transformative work for Freud’s study and a permanent sculpture to be situated in the Museum garden.

For Self Reflection Wallinger will install a mirror across the entire ceiling of the iconic study offering visitors a dramatic new perspective effectively doubling the space. In the artist’s words: ‘The relative posture of the sitting analyst and the recumbent analysand are latent in Freud’s chair and the couch. We can easily imagine his patient’s self-reflection.’

The sculpture Self takes the form of the most basic expression of what it means to exist as an individual: the letter “I,” as a free-standing figure.
It will be placed in the garden in clear view from Freud’s desk. In the context of the Museum the sculpture has obvious intensity of meaning; the formation of the id, ego, and superego is predicated on knowledge of the self and how it is constituted.

These new works, alongside a selection or the artist’s earlier Self Portraits provide a stimulating and thoughtful encounter with the Museum’s collections and the work of Freud himself. The exhibition will further contribute to the Museum’s reputation as a vibrant space commissioning contemporary art exhibitions with lasting intellectual value.