The Big Issue, The Big Art Auction

“This guitar has an added feature where the volume and the two tonal controls on the guitar, now are able to be turned up to number eleven. Obviously referencing the cult classic Spinal Tap, where Nigel Tufnel explains that the Marshall Amp goes all the way up to 11, where as usual amps go up to 10 – ‘Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar.’ – Turk takes you to 11!

Number 11 a Master Number, also known to symbolise spiritual enlightenment and awakening, it is a reminder from angels that we have come to this physical world from the realm of spirit and ROCK AND ROLL.

Pick this Stratocaster up, ‘Turn it Up’ one more and disappear into the Stratosphere on a searing axe-break!" - Gavin Turk, 2020.

Gavin Turk (b 1967) is a British born, international artist. He has pioneered many forms of contemporary British sculpture, including the painted bronze, the waxwork, the recycled art-historical icon and the use of rubbish in art.

“I have been a supporter of The Big Issue since the early 90’s when I had a studio on Tottenham Court Road, and was in daily contact and knew many rough sleepers. I think The Big Issue has done lots of great work and I continue to support their mission.”

Gavin Turk’s artworks deal with issues of authorship, authenticity and identity. Concerned with the ‘myth’ of the artist and the ‘authorship’ of a work, the engagement with this modernist, avant-garde debate stretches back to the ready-mades of Marcel Duchamp.

Gavin Turk’s artwork is collected by Museums and Important Private Collections globally. Turk’s work is the subject of over 25 catalogues and monographs.

Gavin Turk has been commissioned to make several public sculptures including L'Âge d'Or in the Olympic Park and Nail, a 12-meter sculpture at One New Change, St Paul’s,

London, Axis Mundi, Brunel Building, Paddington.

Accolades
Royal College of Art, London, 1991
Chelsea School of Art, London, 1989
Awards: Honorary Doctorate in Arts, University of East London, 2010. Charles Wollaston Award, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2007. Jack Goldhill Sculpture Prize, Royal Academy of Arts, London 2001.

For more images contact bids@theauctioncollective.com.