Turner Prize nominee to address university

One of this year’s Turner Prize nominees, Simon Starling, will present a public talk about his work at the Void Gallery, in Derry, next week.

The internationally acclaimed artist will discuss his unique creative vision in an informal discussion, presented in partnership with the University’s Cultural Development Department and chaired by Professor Kerstin Mey from the School of Art and Design.

Born in Epsom in 1967 Starling is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and challenging artists at work today. He transforms and reframes existing objects through a rigorous process of research.

For Tabernas Desert Run in 2004, Starling crossed the Tabernas desert in Spain on an improvised electric bicycle. The only waste product the vehicle produced was water, which he used to paint an illustration of a cactus, contrasting the efficient cactus with the contrived efforts of man and highlighting the commercial exploitation of natural resources in the region.

Niamh Pearce, Cultural Development Officer at the university, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our own students and other interested individuals to engage directly with an extremely creative and thought provoking artist.

"Everyone is welcome to attend the event and we feel it will be of particular interest art to students from other Further Education Colleges and schools.”

Admission to the talk, which will take place in the Void Gallery at 2pm on Friday 18 November, is free. For further information contact the Cultural Development Office on 028 7137 5658.

(MB/SP)