A-Z

215 appropriated photographs
each 73mm width x various heights x 18mm depth : installation 10.25m x 95cm x 18mm
original mdf edition, 2008; Perspex edition, 2012

This visual taxonomy explores ideas of Perfection - in gymnastics, and in photography. The work, loosely based on elements of a gymnastics routine named after the gymnasts who invented them, draws attention to specific individuals, histories, nationalities and photographic media, emphasising the visual language on which the discipline is built. The photographs are appropriated from various collections - including the Allsport Hulton Archive; British Gymnastics Archive; Giradet Archiv, Museum Folkwang; Hulton Getty Archive; and from specialist sports photographers including Sing Lo and Volker Minkus, official photographer to the International Gymnastics Federation.

Commissioned by Pavilion, Leeds

Exhibited in New Order I Other Spaces, Kelvin Hall Ballroom, Glasgow, as part of the cultural programme for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships; Other Spaces, Titanic Belfast, 2016; Other Spaces, Ffotogallery, Penarth, 2012-13; The Grange Prize, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, 2012-13; Other Spaces, Mostyn, Llandudno, 2012; Powerhouse, Smiths Row, Bury St Edmonds, 2012; Suspension, ICIA, Bath, 2012; Update.UK: Photography in Britain after 2000, Photomonth in Krakow 2010; New Works: Pavilion Commissions, National Media Museum, Bradford, 2008-2009

Published in Ten Years: Aimia | AGO Photography Prize, 2008–2017, Art Gallery of Ontario, 2017; On Perfection: An Artists' Symposium, Intellect Books, 2013; Other Spaces, Ffotogallery in partnership with Mostyn, 2012; Update.UK: Photography in Britain after 2000, Photomonth in Krakow 2010; Archive 13, New Works: Pavilion Commissions 2008, Greg Hobson, National Media Museum, September 2008; Source, Issue 57, Winter, 2008; Pavilion Commissions Programme 2008, Pavilion, Leeds

Artist Pension Trust