02.10.2024
The Royal Academy of Arts: Artist in Conversation with Sir Michael Craig Martin CBE RA with Axel Rüger
On the 2nd October, Sir Michael Craig-Martin and Axel Ruger, who curated the show together (CEO of the Royal Academy and incoming Director of the Frick Collection in New York) will discuss Sir Michael’s monumental 60-year career, and his exhibition at the Royal Academy. To a full house, they discussed how Sir Michael uses universally familiar objects assembled in his paintings to create new, unfamiliar, and open-ended visual scenarios. We heard him explain why his most iconic work, An Oak Tree speaks particularly to young and aspiring artists because they see it as giving permission, indeed encouragement to create any kind of work they wish.
Known for fusing influences from pop art, minimalism and conceptual art, Sir Michael taught at art schools from the 60s through the 80’s and famously had a huge influence on some of the most famous YBAs that we know today, including Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst, Fiona Rae RA and Gary Hume RA.
Sir Michael Craig Martin CBE RA and Axel Rüger, CEO of the Royal Academy
Michael Craig-Martin, Eye of the Storm, 2003. Acrylic on canvas, 335.3 x 279.4 cm.
Collection Irish Museum of Modern Art, Purchase, 2005. © Michael Craig-Martin. Photo: Prudence
Cuming Associates Ltd. Image courtesy Gagosian
Michael Craig-Martin, Common History: Conference, 1999. Acrylic on aluminium, 274.3 x 508 cm.
Gagosian, London © Michael Craig-Martin. Image courtesy Gagosian
Michael Craig-Martin, Untitled (corkscrew), 2014. Acrylic on aluminium, 122 x 122 cm. Private collection. © Michael Craig-Martin. Photo: Mike Bruce. Image courtesy Gagosian
Michael Craig-Martin, Untitled (papercup), 2014. Acrylic on aluminium, 122 x 122 cm. Gagosian, London. © Michael Craig-Martin. Photo: Mike Bruce. Image courtesy Gagosian
Michael Craig Martin, Sea Food, 1984. Steel rod and oil paint on aluminium, 228.6 x 172.7,
Waddington Custot, London. © Michael Craig-Martin. Image courtesy Gagosian
Michael Craig Martin, Untitled (four laptops blue), 2024. Acrylic on aluminium, 250 x 240, Gagosian,
London. © Michael Craig-Martin. Photo: Lucy Dawkins. Image courtesy Gagosian