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Gavin Turk's Reflections on Plastic
Opens:
19 Apr 2024
This Earth Day, explore the impact of plastic with Gavin Turk's thought-provoking paintings
Earth Day originated in the 1970s following a significant oil spill off Southern California in 1969, sparking a national movement that has since become a global commitment to environmental protection.
This year's Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, highlights the urgent need to raise awareness about the health risks associated with plastics and to phase out single-use plastics worldwide.
In 2019, Gavin Turk produced a striking collection of paintings focusing on a notorious symbol of environmental harm: the plastic water bottle.
Colourful Water Bottle
- 2019
- Watercolour on paper
- Original
- Signed by the artist
- 51cm x 37cm
- Sold framed
£3,000
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Gavin Turk – Colourful Water Bottle
Gavin Turk's work was exhibited in Charles Saatchi’s infamous exhibition ‘Sensation’, alongside Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Rachel Whiteread, Yinka Shonibare, Sarah Lucas among the others.
Turk, a passionate advocate for the environment, explores the theme of waste and its significance in modern society through his art. His recurring motif, featuring bin bags, crisp packets, and apple cores, delves into the symbolism and impact of our excessive consumption.
Detail shot of Colourful Water Bottle
“We are what we throw away. If the secret services or whatever are trying to make a portrait of someone, they go through their rubbish and can learn everything about them.”
– Gavin Turk
Watercolour Water Bottle
- 2019
- Watercolour on paper
- Original
- Signed by the artist
- 31cm x 24cm
- Sold framed
£3,000
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Buy 'Gavin Turk – Watercolour Water Bottle' with 10 interest free instalments of £300.00
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Gavin Turk – Watercolour Water Bottle
This series of watercolour works were inspired by the climate change movement, Extinction Rebellion; the crushed water bottles signify the perils of plastic waste.
Turk emphasises, “The water bottle is incredibly powerful because it contains this stuff – water – into which the plastic is now starting to leak back as microplastics, breaking the water. There is a sort of strange, slightly scary loop that we’ve found ourselves in.”
Lying Bottle
- 2019
- Watercolour on paper
- Original
- Signed, titled and dated by the artist
- 41cm x 31cm
- Sold framed
£3,000
Apply for Own Art
Buy 'Gavin Turk – Lying Bottle' with 10 interest free instalments of £300.00
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Gavin Turk – Lying Bottle
In 1991 for his graduation show from the Royal College of Art, Gavin Turk exhibited a blue imitation Heritage plaque. Hung in an otherwise empty room, it commemorated the work done by the artist as a sculptor during his time at the college. The Final Examination Board deemed the work insufficient and refused to award Turk an MA certificate. Ironically, 'Cave', has gone on to become one of the artist's most iconic pieces.
Signature on Lying Bottle
These poignant watercolour studies prompt reflection and encourage heightened awareness of our choices and their impact on the world around us.
For more information or to explore Turk's compelling artworks, please get in touch.
Further reading
Artists
Bright, Young and British: YBAs today
12 Jun 2023 | 4 min read
In the 1990s, Cool Britannia captivated the world with influential music, captivating style, and visionary politicians. The art scene flourished with the Young British Artists (YBAs), gaining prominence in London's exhibitions and impressing Charles Saatchi.