Martin Creed

More about the book

Art, an emotional pieceIn 2015, Martin Creed realized a range of site-specific installations for the Kunstverein Heilbronn in the six large halls of the Kunsthalle Vogelman; the following year he did an equally site-specific presentation at Taxispalais in Innsbruck. These exhibitions were both premieres, in Germany as well as in Austria. Martin Creed does not settle for any medium in particular, he produces videos, paintings, sculptures and works in neon, and he makes music and stages ballet productions. The physical environment always plays an important role. In 2001, the  London-based Scottish artist was awarded the prestigious Turner Prize, for a work that »only« consisted of regularly switching the light in a room on and off. What at first glance appears rather reduced, is highly relevant for the entire room and the visitors who move through it. Martin Creed's brilliant work on one hand appears playful and amazingly friendly, but the result is preemptory and rigorous. In a very personal interview, Martin Creed was asked why he made art. His answer was: to make myself feel better. This statement is as disarming as it is frank, and it challenges the viewer of his work to participate in the process of engaging with art, with space and with the world in general. Exhibitions: Kunstverein Heilbronn, 27/6–20/9/2015 Galerie im Taxispalais Innsbruck, 10/9–20/11/2016