Record covers collected by the Mexican artist Dr. Lakra. © Peter MacDiarmid

Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist as Collector | Barbican

This is the first major exhibition in the UK to present the fascinating personal collections of post-war and contemporary artists. Ranging from mass-produced memorabilia and popular collectibles to one-of-a-kind curiosities, rare artefacts and specimens, these collections provide insight into the inspirations, influences, motives and obsessions of artists.

Andy Wharhol’s artwork. © Peter MacDiarmid

While some artists are connoisseurs, others accumulate hoards of objects, never letting anything go. Many live with and make direct use of their collections and others keep them under wraps or in storage. Collecting objects for research and study is key to the practice of many artists in the exhibition. Presented alongside examples of their work, their collections, in turn, help to elucidate their art.

Damien Hirst’s Collections. © Peter MacDiarmid. Courtesy Murderme Collection

Featured artists: Arman, Peter Blake, Hanne Darboven, Edmund de Waal, Damien Hirst, Howard Hodgkin, Dr Lakra, Sol LeWitt, Martin Parr, Jim Shaw, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Andy Warhol, Pae White, Martin Wong/Danh Vo.

more. www.barbican.org.uk