Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA, Self-Portrait (Aqua)

Self-Portrait (Aqua), 2007

Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA (b. 1941)

RA Collection: Art

On free display in Main Galleries

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

Title
Self-Portrait (Aqua)
Artist/designer
Date
2007
Object type
Painting
Copyright owner
Medium
Acrylic on aluminium
Dimensions

1220 mm x 920 mm x 42 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
07/5150
Acquisition
Diploma Work given by Sir Michael Craig-Martin RA accepted 4 December 2007
return to start
back

Start exploring the RA Collection

read more
  • Explore art works, paint-smeared palettes, scribbled letters and more...
  • Artists and architects have run the RA for 250 years.
    Our Collection is a record of them.
Start exploring