Quinn Marc
Marc Quinn, born in 1964, is a prominent British contemporary artist known for pushing the boundaries of art and exploring the complexities of human experience. Emerging as a leading figure in the early 1990s alongside peers who redefined contemporary art, Quinn’s work intersects vividly with themes of identity, nature, and social history.
Quinn first captured the art world’s attention with his iconic piece Self (1991), a sculpture composed entirely of his own blood, frozen and maintained in a refrigerated display unit. This work is celebrated not just as a self-portrait in both appearance and substance, but also as a commentary on human dependency on infrastructure and, by extension, on addiction—a struggle Quinn himself faced early in his career.
Among his critically acclaimed creations is Garden (2000), a full botanical garden frozen and displayed at Fondazione Prada in Milan, and DNA Portrait of Sir John Sulston (2001), a genomic representation honoring the genetic scientist. His Evolution series (2005) features ten sculptures depicting human embryos at various developmental stages. Quinn’s public installations are expansive and varied, from 1+1=3 (2002), an artificial rainbow at the Liverpool Biennale, to the monumental Planet (2008) in Singapore, and the bold Alison Lapper Pregnant (2005) at Trafalgar Square, which was also featured as an inflatable sculpture, Breath, during the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony.
Quinn is widely recognized for his provocative sculptures of the model Kate Moss in yogic poses, most notably the solid gold sculpture Siren (2008) exhibited at The British Museum in London. Additionally, Quinn’s hyperrealist oil paintings of flowers and photorealistic airbrush-rendered paintings of irises further highlight his diverse artistic talents.
Quinn’s work has been showcased in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, reinforcing his status as a global art influencer. His exhibitions include notable venues such as the Tate Gallery in London, South London Gallery, Kunstverein Hannover, Fondazione Prada in Milan, Tate Liverpool, the National Portrait Gallery in London, MACRO in Rome, Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Goss-Michael Foundation in Dallas, Musée Océanographique in Monaco, Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice, Arter Space for Art in Istanbul, and Somerset House in London.
Through his innovative approach and exploration of the human condition, Marc Quinn continues to be a pivotal force in contemporary art, challenging audiences to reflect on the intersection of art, identity, and existence.
