An Inside Look at Martin Creed’s Upcoming Exhibition in London: ‘What’s the Point of It?’

In a few days, Martin Creed‘s new exhibition will be unveiled at the Hayward Gallery in Southbank Center, London. The Southbank Art Center was created in 1951 for the Festival of Britain and is located on the South Bank of the Thames. The Center is dedicated to promoting fine arts, visual arts, as well as dance, music and more. It has become one of the most popular art centers in the UK and includes Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, the Hayward Gallery, and the Saison Poetry Library.

Opened in 1968, the Hayward Gallery took its name after the late Sir Isaac Hayward, the former leader of the London County Council. The building’s facade is entirely made of glass and is reminiscent of designs by architects like Tadao Ando or Rudy Ricciotti because of its uncluttered aspect, transparent material, steel and concrete. But it wasn’t built by either of them! Instead, the space was commissioned to a group of young architects including Dennis Crompton, Warren Chalk and Ron Herron.

The Hayward Gallery will launch its new exhibition by Martin Creed entitled What’s the point of it? on January 29. Creed won the Turner Prize a few years ago with Work No. 227: the lights going on and off. He lives and works in London. His works don’t really have a proper title, instead they are numbered. Individuals don’t really agree if his projects can be considered as “art” in the traditional way, but that’s kind of it’s his point.  He’s into meditation, spirituality and essence of life. His work, which turns its nose at superfluous and unnecessary things, is surprising, humorous and thought-provoking.

The exhibition is on view until April 27.

Photo credit: Martin Creed and Southbank Center