Per Barclay. Oil rooms

The series of "oil rooms" are a central part of Per Barclay’s oeuvre from the end of the 1980s until today. The works have mainly taken form as large format photographs of different interiors, where the floor is covered with oil, later also in other fluids such as wine, water, blood and milk. The primary effect is disquieting reflections – beautiful, yet brutal. The rooms he seeks for these works range from palaces and churches to slaughterhouses and North Norwegian boathouses. 

The exhibition at KODE will show a selection of works from this continuing project in Barclay’s artistic career, starting with his cover for Artforum in 1990 until the present day. 

Larger commitment to contemporary Norwegian art 
– This is the beginning of a commitment to contemporary Norwegian art at the museum in the years to come, says KODE’s director Petter Snare. Snare was appointed as director in October 2017. 

– We want to focus on the rich and multilayered art scene in Norway – starting with Per Barclay. Barclay is one of the most prolific Norwegian artists, having exhibited extensively internationally through the last four decades. 

About the artist 
Per Barclay (b. 1955) lives and works in Oslo and Turin. Early in his career he moved to Italy, where he received his art education. He has since exhibited extensively both at home and abroad. Barclay has been guest artist at the Bergen International Festival (2009), and he participated in the Venice Biennale in 1990. In 2017, Barclay had the opening exhibition of CCC OD in Tours, France. He has several upcoming projects this spring, including at Manifesta 12 and at OSL Contemporary.

The exhibition runs from 16 February – 10 June 2018.