Gavin Turk is one of the cohort of Young British Artists that rose to prominence in the late 80s, becoming known for their shock tactics and entrepreneurial attitudes. Turk’s art deals with matters of authenticity and identity, and explores the ‘myth’ of the artist.
Turk’s artistic career first garnered attention back in 1991 when his tutors at the Royal College of Art refused to pass him based on the artwork he entered into his graduation exhibition. His submission, entitled ‘Cave’, consisted of nothing but a white-washed studio space with a blue heritage plaque on the wall stating, ‘Gavin Turk worked here, 1989-1991’.
‘Cave’ brought Turk instant notoriety, and caught the attention of the art industry. Since then, he has created an extensive body of work questioning the integrity of the artistic identity.
