Interview with Martin Creed

18/02/14

Martin Creed: What's the point of it?


Hayward Gallery

29 January – 27 April 2014


Martin Creed (b. 1968) became the marmite subject of much art world discussion when he won the Turner Prize in 2001 with his “minimalist” work, The Lights Going On and Off (2000), which, pretty much, does as it says on the tin. He came back very much into the eyes – or ears – of the public with his opening gambit for the London 2012 Olympics, All the Bells in a Country Rung as Quickly and Loudly as Possible for Three Minutes. As we settle ourselves in the Royal Festival Hall Members’ Bar, enjoying the stunning views out along the Thames, Creed begins rummaging in his bag, hurriedly scribbling some notes to himself, and then, in his mellifluous Scottish accent, mutters some apologies for his wet wipe addiction which is, he points out, less damaging – and cheaper – than smoking, although it still leaves him with similarly dry skin. After the difficult decision (Creed notoriously struggles with making choices, as he later explains) between a cup of tea or coffee, we are ready to chat, taking as a starting point his current survey show, What’s the point of it?, at the Hayward Gallery.

To read the interview, please go to: http://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/martin-creed-interview-hayward-gallery-london