Cragg Tony
British sculptor Tony Cragg explores the complex relationships between the natural and man-made world to create an innovative, distinctive sculptural language. A self-described ‘radical materialist’, the artist is interested in the internal structures of material that result in their external appearance. He constantly explores and expands the possibilities of new materials which, in turn, help to determine the form each sculpture takes and the emotional register it occupies.
British sculptor. Author of sculptures made of urban materials.
Born in 1949 in Liverpool.
From 1966 to 1968, he worked as a technician at the National Rubber Research Association.
He started studying art at the Gloucestershire College of Art and Design in Cheltenham. From 1969 to 1973, he continued his studies at the Wimbledon School of Art. During this period, his teacher was Roger Ackling, who introduced him to the sculptors Richard Long and Bill Woodrow. Craig completed his education by studying at the Royal College of Art in 1973-1977.
In 1977, he moved to Wuppertal, Germany, where he has lived and worked ever since.
From 2009 to the end of July 2013, he was the rector of the Düsseldorf Academy of Arts.
In his work, Cragg uses more traditional materials, such as wood, bronze, marble, often creating simple forms from them.
Awards and honours
Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2002);
Officer of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany;
Order of Arts and Letters;
Turner Prize (1988);
The Imperial Prize (2007)
