IAN HAMILTON FINLAY Scottish, 1925-2006

A philosopher, sculptor and poet, Ian Hamilton Finlay reinvigorated the classical tradition in a body of work that encompasses a variety of creative forms to celebrate the sustaining power of words. His diverse production included prints, poems, books, inscriptions, neons, sculptures, permanent installations and landscape design. The purest kind of conceptual artist, Finlay was sensitive to the formalist concerns (color, shape, scale, texture, composition) of literary and artistic modernism. For almost 40 years, he formed his works using philosophical texts, myths, characters, and images from the past to make enigmatic juxtapositions and, in so doing, new thoughts. Finlay's adept use of syntax and narrative configuration weaved refined distinctions with a lyrical philosophy. His skill lay in his unique ability to break down complex ideas into coherent single words and short phrases, infused with Finlay's characteristic wit and, often, wry humor.

In 1961 he cofounded the Wild Hawthorn Press and within a few years had established himself internationally as Britain's foremost concrete poet. His publications continue to play an important role in the dissemination of his work as a visual artist. As a sculptor, he worked collaboratively in a wide range of materials, having his concepts executed as stone-carvings, as constructed objects and neon lighting. From the mid-1960s, Finlay lived and worked at Stonypath, south-west of Edinburgh, where he transformed the surrounding rural acres into Little Sparta, his unique garden and life's work. 

Finlay has had solo exhibitions at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland; Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow, Scotland; St. Paul's Cathedral, London; Kunsthalle Bremen, Germany; Tate St. Ives, Cornwall; Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona; and the Philadelphia Museum of Art; among others. Finlay's work is in numerous public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; British Museum, London; Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, Scotland; Tate Modern, London; Tate St. Ives; Tate Liverpool; Tate Britain, London; Laumeier Sculpture Park, St. Louis, MO; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris; and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, Scotland.