Michael Craig-Martin’s exhibition at the Royal Academy showcases over 120 works, highlighting his bold use of colour and everyday objects. Features include seminal pieces like “An Oak Tree” and vibrant installations. The exhibition prompts reflection on artistic authenticity and the evolution of his style over the decades.
The exhibition of Michael Craig-Martin at the Royal Academy of Arts offers a vibrant overview of his artistic journey, starting with eye-catching sculptures greeting visitors in the courtyard. Inside, walls painted in vivid neon colours enhance the presentation of his iconic conceptual works, including the seminal “An Oak Tree,” which explores themes of perception and reality. At 83, Craig-Martin’s influence spans decades, with his later works prominently featuring everyday objects rendered in graphic styles on unconventional surfaces like aluminium. He seeks to minimise the artist’s hand, evoking questions about authenticity and artistic presence. As viewers progress through the exhibition, the emotional depth of the works appears to diminish although a few pieces, like a striking self-portrait and a large-scale installation made from black tape, stand out. The finale is a hyper-colourful video installation, “Cosmos,” which, while visually stimulating, risks overwhelming the senses. Craig-Martin, whose teaching career greatly influenced a generation of British artists, is spotlighted in this survey, reaffirming his role in conceptual art and contemporary culture, alongside architectural grandeur of the Royal Academy itself, which adds to the experience.
Michael Craig-Martin, a prominent British artist known for his conceptual artworks, has been a significant figure in contemporary art for decades. The exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts showcases a rich collection of over 120 works, highlighting his bold use of colour and iconic status within the art world. His exploration of everyday objects, often rendered in a simplified, graphic style, reflects his interest in the intersection of art and the digital age. Craig-Martin’s background as a professor has also shaped a generation of artists, further solidifying his impact on the art establishment.
The Michael Craig-Martin exhibition at the Royal Academy is a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary art. The dynamic presentation of his works, combined with thought-provoking themes about artistic presence, invites viewers to engage deeply with both his early conceptual pieces and later vibrant installations. Overall, the exhibition offers a reflective and visually stimulating experience.
Original Source: www.artshub.co.uk