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Michael Craig-Martin

(1941-), Artist

Sitter in 5 portraits
Artist of 1 portrait
Born in Ireland, Craig-Martin studied in America before moving to Britain in 1966. Influenced by conceptualism and minimalism, he came to prominence for An Oak Tree (1973), consisting of a glass of water on a shelf and a semiotic text. As a senior tutor at Goldsmith's College from 1973, he fostered the early careers of the YBAs. Craig-Martin's output spans sculpture using household materials, printmaking and stylised painting, generally of everyday objects, using black outline and vivid colours. 'Except for eating and sleeping I virtually live here. I come to the studio between nine and 10 in the morning, and I usually stay until seven or eight in the evening'.

Watch a film clip on the artist from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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Michael Craig-Martin

by Michael Landy
pencil, 2008
NPG 6873

Michael Craig-Martin

by Alexandra Burke
cibachrome print, 1980s
NPG x32384

Michael Craig-Martin

by Alastair Thain
bromide print on card mount, mid 1980s
NPG x25148

Michael Craig-Martin

by Eamonn McCabe
C-type colour print, 2006
NPG x131767

Michael Craig-Martin

by Dennis Toff
archival inkjet print, 5 July 2007
NPG x131341

Groups

Place

Ireland

Media

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Michael Craig-Martin

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