No State Control

This artwork featured in BorderLands (2026).

Delaine Le Bas’ work addresses nationhood, land, belonging and gender across diverse media (including embroidery, painting, decoupage, sculpture, installations and performance) that reflect on domestic claustrophobia and the transient nature of modern materiality. It is inspired by the rich cultural history of the Gypsy, Romani, Traveller people and their mythologies.

Delaine has participated in many international events and exhibitions and was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 2024. In 2007 she actively participated in the first edition of the Roma Pavillion at the Venice Biennale, which questioned the very notion of national identity. Delaine defines herself as an activist. Her more recent work explores the idea of No as an affirmation and an active proposition of resistance: “I am interested in breaking the borders and boundaries, not being confined or bound by them”.

Image: Delaine Le Bas, No State Control, Photograph on textile. Installation view, BorderLands, Hay Castle, 2026. Image courtesy of Meadow Arts. Photographer, Finn Beales.

 

About the artist

Delaine Le Bas

Delaine Le Bas exhibited in BorderLands (15 May – 31 August 2026).