26 June 2005
Tate dates for artists
Two rub shoulders with greats
TWO MMU artists have been selected along with some of the world’s greats for a Tate Britain project in support of London’s Olympic Bid 2012.
40 Artists, 40 Days features the likes of Lord Rogers, Mario Testino, Paul Smith, Will Alsop and Michael Nyman and in a symbolic countdown to 6 July - D-Day for the International Olympic Committee decision.
The countdown calendar is designed to focus attention on Britain’s exceptional creative talent, and features current student Chris Boyd and graduate architect Thomas Heatherwick.
Chris, 21, an Interactive Arts undergraduate has won a string of awards* for his innovative video work and was described by art critic Brian Sewell as “a genius”. He is at number 22 with rock band TIGS for whom he created and directed a debut video.
Thomas Heatherwick graduated from the Three-Dimensional Design degree in 1992 and is a world name in architectural design, most recently masterminding Manchester’s landmark B of the Bang sculpture.
Tate Britain said: “We asked 40 leading artists to provide a work, either original video, music, text, performance or visual art, which will be showcased here on Tate Online as a message of Olympic support, with a new piece being added every day until you can enjoy all 40.
“The Olympics is not just about a month of sport, it is about the transformation of our capital city with bold and beautiful sporting venues, innovative new gallery spaces, affordable housing and the largest urban park to be developed in Europe for 150 years.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase a 21st century Britain to the world, rich in 300 cultures and languages and in the enthusiasm, idealism and talent of our youth. And it is about the Arts – celebrating Britain’s great creative energy and individuals.”
* Chris Body was the winner of Channel Five’s Big Art Challenge 2004 and has won the Priestly Prize for Academic Excellence, the Plinston Arts Prize and the FACT (Liverpool) Microwave Award.
To see Chris Boyd and Thomas Heatherwick’s work, go to http://www.tate.org.uk/40artists40days
