Stick that on YouTube!, 2007. Bone china, porcelain, earthenware, enamel paint, other media, h 10.7 x dia. 11.5 inches | 27 x 29 cm. Photograph by Theodore Cook.
A collector of kitsch, Barnaby Barford (Hi-Fructose Vol.8) arranges mass-produced, ceramic figures into vignettes with a contemporary twist. The UK artist has an exhibition coming up at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in the city of Virginia Beach — his first solo show in the US. Barford has an affinity for exploring taboos, arranging the antique figures into mash-ups of cultural references with an ironic sense of humor. His solo exhibition will be on view September 12 through December 29. Take a look at some of the works in the show below.
Adam and Eve, 2011(detail). Porcelain, resin, 2 way mirror, light fitting, fabric tassel, h 31.89 x w 11.02 x l 21.26 inches | 81 x 28 x 54 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Gluttony, 2012 (detail). Ceramic, mirror, stainless steel, enameled wire, wood, other media, h 61.61 x w 6.29 x l 58.98 inches | 156.5 x 16 x 149.8 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Come on you Lightweight – Down It!, 2007. Bone china, porcelain, other media, h 11.25 x w 15 x l 11 inches | 29 x 38 x 28 cm. Photograph by Theodore Cook.
Happy Meal, 2009. Porcelain, earthenware, enamel paint, painted wooden base, other media, h 8.26 x w 15.75 x l 39.4 inches | 21 x 40 x 100 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Love at First Sight, 2011. Porcelain, ceramic, light fitting, enamel paint, wood, other media, h 8.27 x w 11.81 x l 39.37 inches | 21 x 30 x 100 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Paradiso, 2013. Porcelain, enamel paint, other media, h 11 x w 16.71 x l 31.49 inches | 28 x 45 x 80 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Rabbit, 2013. Porcelain, epoxy putty, mirror, glass reinforced plastic, h 25.6 x w 23.62 x l 10.23 inches | 65 x 60 x 26 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Three Graces – Grace, 2012. Porcelain, enamel paint, h 11 x w 16.71 x l 31.49 inches | 28 x 45 x 80 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.
Who’s the Daddy?!, 2009. Porcelain, epoxy putty, enamel paint, wood, h 11 x dia. 21.7 inches | 28 x 55 cm. Photograph by Noah Da Costa.