Gavin Turk

Artist: Gavin Turk

Title: EGG Eye

Medium: Acrylic paint

About:

Gavin Turk (b 1967) is a British born, internationally renowned artist, who lives and works in London. He has pioneered many forms of contemporary British sculpture, including the painted bronze, the waxwork, the recycled art-historical icon and the use of rubbish in art.

Turk’s installations and sculptures deal with issues of authorship, authenticity and identity. Concerned with the ‘myth’ of the artist and ontological questioning. Turk’s engagement with this modernist, avant-garde debate stretches back to the ready-mades of Marcel Duchamp.

In 1991, the Royal College of Art refused Turk a degree on the basis that his final show, ‘Cave’, consisted of a whitewashed studio space containing only a blue heritage plaque commemorating his presence ‘Gavin Turk worked here 1989-91'. Instantly gaining notoriety through this installation, Turk was spotted by Charles Saatchi and was included in several YBA exhibitions.

Gavin Turk’s work is held within public and private collections worldwide, including but not limited to the TATE, Museum of Modern Art New York, Museum MMK Für Moderne Kunst, Musée Magritte Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 

In 2013 Prestel published Turk’s first monograph, showcasing more than two decades of his work and in 2014 Trolley Books published ‘This Is Not A Book About Gavin Turk’ which playfully explores themes associated with the artist’s work via thirty notable contributors.

“This sculpture an egg, now transformed into an egg eye, merges cultural symbolism with personal identity. By reimagining the traditional Turkish talisman used to ward off negativity, Turk plays with his own surname and its connection to Turkey. 

Traditionally, the Turkish Eye deflects envy and ill will, based on the belief that a gaze alone can change one’s fate. By reinterpreting this ancient symbol, Turk interrogates notions of identity, power, and protection, while adding a playful layer to the iconic evil eye.”


Terms and Conditions:
All eggs must be collected in person if possible from Chichester Festival Theatre, or can be hand delivered if you live within a 50 mile radius.
For any successful bids from further way or internationally please contact Appeal Director Sarah Mansell to confirm postage, which will be at the bidders expense: sarah.mansell@cft.org.uk