Triumph and the Pursuit of Perfection

While the UK is currently gripped with medal fever, an exhibition at the South London Gallery explores the symbolism of another object associated with personal stories of sporting success - the trophy.

Aleksandra Mir's Triumph is an installation that consists of 2,529 sporting trophies, displayed individually and in groups, on plinths as well as piled up in huge heaps, each one recalling the echo of clapping hands and the image of vigorous bodies.

The project was initiated via a wanted ad seeking unwanted trophies placed by the artist in a Sicilian newspaper. The objects were accumulated over the course of a year and date from the 1970s onwards. A glittering archive of popular culture, the installation exposes the tension between the symbolism of the trophy as an indicator of accomplishment and its physical reality as an often kitsch, garish, mass-produced item of little value.

Triumph is part of The Pursuit of Perfection: The Politics of Sport at the South London Gallery until September 14.

Aleksandra Mir will be discussing her work and current installation in conversation with Alice Rawsthorn (design critic of the International Herald Tribune) at the South London Gallery on Wednesday 12 September at 7pm. It's  a free event but booking is essential. Book online or call 020 7703 6120.

Aleksandra Mir: Triumph, a publication that accompanies the installation is available via Amazon.