Four glass/Mirror piece
1968
Medium
(a) mirror, glass, wood
(b) book: photocopies, 22 pages, cardboard and cloth cover, metal binding
Measurements
(a-b) (variable) (overall)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through the NGV Foundation with the assistance of the Rudy Komon Fund, Governor, 2001
© Courtesy of the artist's estate
Gallery location
Gallery 11
Level 2, NGV Australia
About this work
Included in the NGV’s 1968 exhibition The Field, Ian Burn’s Four glass/Mirror piece comprises four pieces of glass placed in front of a mirror. The work, and his version of conceptual art, was intended to challenge the function of art and language to represent reality. On the reverse of the work is a note that states: ‘I certify that I consider this work is in no way unique and might be reproduced at any time or place by myself or any other person (acting on my behalf or otherwise). This particular work which is labelled a Four Glass/Mirror Piece was manufactured at my request and to my specifications by the firm of: G. & H. Partos Pty. Ltd, / 112 Hardware St., Melbourne… signed Ian Burn 15/6/68’
Artwork Details
Inscription
(a) typed and inscribed in blue ballpoint pen on paper label on reverse: I certify that I consider this / work is in no way unique and might / be reproduced at any time or place / by myself or any other person / (acting on my behalf or otherwise). / This particular work which is / labelled a Four Glass/Mirror Piece / was manufactured at my request / and to my specifications by the / firm of: G. & H. Partos Pty. Ltd, / 112 Hardware St., Melbourne. C. 1. / This work consists of four pieces / of ordinary glass placed face to / face in front of an ordinary / mirror. The glasses and mirror are / all of identical size and are fitted / into an ordinary frame. / signed Ian Burn (line of dots under Ian Burn) / dated 15/6/68.
(b) printed on page 5 l.r.: 1967/68.
printed on page 19 l.r.: 1968
printed on page 21 l.r.: 1968.
Accession Number
2001.559.a-b
Department
Australian Painting
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Subjects (general)
Concepts and Ideas
Subjects (specific)
glass (material) mirrors reflectivity (optical property)
Movements
Conceptual