Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA, Self-Portrait (Aqua), 2007.
Acrylic on aluminium. 1220 mm x 920 mm x 42 mm. © Michael Craig-Martin RA. © Photo: Royal Academy of Arts, London. Photographer: John Hammond.
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Self-Portrait (Aqua), 2007
Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA (b. 1941)
RA Collection: Art
This self-portrait departs from Craig-Martin's frequent subject matter of everyday objects, which he has explored in a variety of media throughout his career. As in many other works, the artist uses complementary colours like blue and orange to focus the viewer's attention, showing the influence of the colour theory class he took under Josef Albers at Yale University.
He treats the representation of himself the same way he depicts objects like lamps and briefcases, creating a restricted, neutral drawing style while emphasizing complete vivacity and freedom in the choice of colours. Craig-Martin is well-known for his teaching work at Goldsmiths College, where he was especially influential upon the Young British Artists in the 1990s.
Object details
1220 mm x 920 mm x 42 mm
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