Since the 1990s Gillick, 38, has exhibited his work around the world, and has also acted as a designer, critic, author and curator. His sculpture uses industrial materials and bold colour, reminiscent of the Minimalist movement.

But he is also keen for viewers to interact with his work, which has appeared in gallery bookshops, auditoriums and dining areas.

View: Filtration 2002

Using text and installations, he shows how social, historical and economic realities are shaped and manipulated.

His favourite themes include secondary historical figures - such as Erasmus Darwin, the elder brother of Charles who was the subject of Gillick's 1995 book, Erasmus Is Late.

In it, Erasmus is seen wandering around the London of 1997, late for his own 18th-Century dinner party - fractured time is another favourite theme.

Gillick - who lives and works in London and New York - was awarded the first commission for a new outdoor sculpture court at Tate Britain.

He decided to create installation, Annlee You Proposes, which comprised a video work and coloured sculptures which also functioned as furniture.

Liam Gillick has proved his versatility in a number of fields

His first major London solo show, The Wood Way, continues at the Whitechapel Art Gallery until 23 June. It features works made since the mid-1990s.

Two of his sculptures, The What If? Scenario and Discussion Island/Big Conference, are made from aluminium and coloured Plexiglass. They are installed in a way to allow visitors to explore the artwork.

His work with overseas artists has also won praise.

Renovation Filter Lobby Diagram #1 2000
Orange paint, grid 30 x 30 cm
Courtesy Corvi - Mora, London

View: Filtration 2002 - Installation at Whitechapel Gallery 2002
Courtesy Corvi - Mora, London

Liam Gillick
Photo by Andrea Stappent
Courtesy Corvi - Mora, London