Douglas Gordon, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1966, is an artist renowned for his ability to challenge perceptions and blur the lines between intention and interpretation. His work delves into profound moral dilemmas, mental states, and collective memories, often distorting time and language to disorient and provoke contemplation.
Gordon’s artistic journey began with studies in sculpture and environmental art at the Glasgow School of Art, followed by further exploration at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. It was there that his fascination with cinema and film flourished, culminating in the groundbreaking piece “24 Hour Psycho” in 1993, which stretched Alfred Hitchcock’s film to a marathon viewing experience.
Douglas Gordon. Exhibition view. Gagosian Gallery. London, 2024
Relocating to Cologne, Germany, Gordon continued to push artistic boundaries with works like “From God to Nothing” (1996) and “Between Darkness and Light” (1997), which juxtaposed opposites to evoke powerful emotional responses. His exploration of duality found expression in pieces such as “Tale of a Justified Sinner” (1995), paying homage to Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novel.
Gordon’s career has been marked by major retrospectives and exhibitions worldwide, from Tate Liverpool to MoMA, New York. Recent works like “Black Burns” (2017) and “I had nowhere to go: Portrait of a displaced person” (2016) delve into themes of identity, mortality, and the human psyche.
Douglas Gordon. Exhibition view. Gagosian Gallery. London, 2024
Commissioned to create a piece for the new Elizabeth Line station in London, Gordon’s “undergroundoverheard (2023)” showcases emotionally charged text works, translated into London’s most commonly spoken languages.
Douglas Gordon. Exhibition view. Gagosian Gallery. London, 2024
Titled “All I Need is a Little Bit of Everything,” Scottish Turner Prize-winner’s latest show at Gagosian Gallery in London presents a diverse array of text-based works alongside installations like “Pretty much every film and video work from about 1992 until now… (1999–)” and the debut of “2023EastWestGirlsBoys (2023),” delving into Gordon’s reminiscences of London’s vibrant Soho neighborhood.
Douglas Gordon. Exhibition view. Gagosian Gallery. London, 2024
This showcase encapsulates Gordon’s mastery of various mediums, intertwining personal narratives with broader societal reflections. It’s a testament to his ability to challenge perceptions and provoke contemplation, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of the human experience.
Douglas Gordon. Exhibition view. Gagosian Gallery. London, 2024
