Inspired by... David
Gavin Turk, artist
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Gavin Turk

Gavin Turk entered into the art world by announcing his own death. Cave, his final show at the Royal College of Art, featured an empty room with a simple blue English Heritage plaque bearing the inscription 'Borough of Kensington Gavin Turk Sculptor Worked Here 1989-1991'.
Despite the RCA holding back his certificate he has gone on to establish himself with significant works. He continues to investigate ideas of authorship and identity, incorporating waxwork sculptures of himself dressed and posed as iconic figures. The best known is Pop which featured Gavin as Sid Vicious in the stance of Warhol's Elvis Presley. He has also created his own versions of artwork by Jacques-Louis David, Magritte and Warhol.
1. Waxwork sculpture of 'The Death of Marat'
Lifesize waxwork
Madame Tussauds
External links:
Madame Tussauds
2. Jan Van Eyck
The Arnolfini Portrait (1434)
Oil on oak
82.2 x 60 cm
National Gallery
External links:
National Gallery Jan Van Eyck (Wikipedia)
3. Giorgio De Chirico
Melanconia (1912)
Oil on canvas
Estorick Collection
External links:
Estorick CollectionGiorgio De Chirico (Wikipedia)
4. Frans Hals
Laughing Cavalier (1624)
Oil on canvas
83cm x 67cm
Wallace Collection
External links:
Wallace CollectionFrans Hals Museum
5. Ian Hamilton Finlay
Quin Morere (1991)
Bronze
936 x 711 x 55 mm, 33.4 kg
Tate
External links:
Ian Hamilton FinlayTate
David's in the UK
Portrait of the Comtesse Vilain XIII and her Daughter (1816)
Oil on canvas
95 x 76 cm
National Gallery
Portrait of Jacobus Blauw (1795)
Oil on canvas
92 x 73 cm
National Gallery
The Oath of the Tennis Court (1791)
Pen washed with bistre with highlights of white on paper
66 x 101.2 cm
Wallace Collection (Temporary until January)
External links:
Wallace CollectionJacques Louis David (Wikipedia)

