20 october 2001 to 03 february 2002

This exhibition presents the most recent photographic works by Per Barclay. The Norwegian artist has been using photography from the eighties, along with sculpture, installations or even sound works.

The extreme sophistication and aestheticism of these set up images, keep narrowing the themes he develops : for him, the expression of inner tensions relies on the search for beauty.

“ My work shows the tensions we have to put up with in our everyday life, this kind of mutual anxiety, deriving from the contrasts between the “extaordinary opportunities” that our time offers and the extreme precariousness of our situation. To that extent I feel Scandinavian. Munch, the tensions painter, is the most important artist to me.” (Per Barclay)

Per Barclay’s images put the emphasis on the representation of the body, borrowing not only from the classic tradition of painting, but from the ballet as well. The dancer is a chosen subject in art for the artist captures the physical tension within bodies to express the torments of human condition.

Some other photographs link up with the practice of installation art, through the creation of places you have to get a sense of, spaces created for the sole purpose of being shooted. The “Oil Rooms” or “Chambers” are closed room floored by dark oil or blood, deep and reflective surfaces. Those are spaces created to be looked at, whereas the body is kept away from them.

The display, designed as a whole, takes us on a disturbing trip through a constantly balanced universe, alternately opposing beauty to violence, and serenity to a tangible anxiety.