Craig-Martin, Michael
In this painting, Michael Craig-Martin explores the relationship between two different modes of artistic expression. The two distinct areas of colour refer to abstract art, while the objects refer to naturalistic representation. The artist notes, 'I've tried to reconcile certain aspects of abstraction and representation that are usually considered irreconcilable.'
Michael Craig-Martin is one of Britain's leading conceptual artists. During the early 1960s he was influenced by Minimalism. His work has since taken many different forms, including ready-made objects, wall drawings, written texts and painting. His main focus, however, is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between experience and knowledge, and between belief and understanding. Central to his work is the presence and reaction of the viewer, or, as Craig-Martin puts it, 'the experience of a work of art'.
Rosemary Harris and Helen Luckett
History Painting
1995