Martin Creed won the Turner Prize in 2001 for Work No. 227: the lights going on and off (an empty room in which the lights went on and off) and playfulness is key in much of his work. From minimalist interventions such as Work No. 79: some Blu-tack kneaded, rolled into a ball and depressed against a wall (1993) to his piece for this year’s Cultural Olympiad which encouraged people across the country to simultaneously ring their local church bells, Creed has evolved a distinctive style recognisable for dry humour, deadpan commentary and a willingness to take risks with what constitutes an artwork. For Creed, music and art are very closely connected and he has been in a band since 1994. Fresh from a tour this year with The Cribs, his 2012 releases include F**k Off, and Die. Appearing twice in one night, Creed be in conversation with MMU’s Steven Gartside, who will explore compositional techniques in art and music. A gig showcasing with Creed’s angular guitar pop at Islington Mill follows with support from Manchester’s finest witches, Die Hexen.

Thu 8 Nov, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M2 3JL. Tel: 0161 235 88887pm, sold out. Islington Mill,  James Street, Salford, M3 5HW, 8.30pm, £6, www.skiddle.com

Thu 8 Nov
Words:
Caitriona Devery
Published on:
Thu 8 Nov 2012