“Let your imagination have your respect. Huge respect! I know there are practical things to do like getting jobs, but that shouldn’t ever deter you from acknowledging what you really want.”

“Don’t be afraid of standing on your own and not being part of the crowd. Have courage and imagination to do what you want to do.”

Born in 1944 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Phyllida Barlow (1944-2023) spent a life in art – both as a teacher and an artist in her own right. She belongs among the most interesting, acknowledged and honoured figures in the British and international art scene, and she represented Great Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2017. For over 50 years, Barlow took inspiration from her surroundings to create imposing installations that can be menacing and playful at once. She created anti-monumental sculptures from inexpensive, low-grade materials such as cardboard, fabric, plywood, polystyrene, scrim and cement. These constructions were often painted in industrial or vibrant colours, the seams of their building left visible at times, revealing their means of making. In October 2022, Barlow was awarded the prestigious Kurt-Schwitters-Prize for her essential contribution to contemporary art. Barlow passed in 2023.

Phyllida Barlow was interviewed by Marc-Christoph Wagner at her studio in London in April 2022.

Camera: Kyle Stevenson

Edited by: Signe Boe Pedersen

Produced by: Marc-Christoph Wagner

Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2022

Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling and Fritz Hansen.