Best of British

Known for its diverse range of styles, British contemporary art is often regarded for its groundbreaking exploration of once-taboo topics and the influence of the traditional. To celebrate this, Extraordinary Objects introduces Best of British; our latest exhibition celebrating British artist’s political and social commentary, their innovation and experimentation and their use of sarcasm and humour.

Flying the flag for Britain are acclaimed artists Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Bridget Riley, David Hockney, David Shrigley, The Connor Brothers, Grayson Perry, Gilbert & George, Harland Miller, Helen Beard and emerging talent Alma Singer.

Tracey Emin

Tracey Emin is known for her provocative and deeply personal works. In the 1990s, Emin emerged as one of the leading figures in the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement, which challenged traditional notions of art and propelled British contemporary art onto the global stage. Emin's art often explores themes of love, sexuality, identity, and personal history. Raw and emotionally charged, her pieces often draw from her own experiences, inviting viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and intimate moments. Her confessional, narcissistic and self-deprecatory approach earned Emin a nomination for the Turner Prize in 1999.

‘It Was All About Loving You’ (2022)

Produced in 2022, in response to the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, ‘It Was All About Loving You’ by Tracey Emin is depicted through a series of swift lines with a figure reclining alone in a state of longing and desire, caught between despair and ecstasy.

Emin's prints, like many of her other works, have a diary quality and frequently allude to past events. Printed by Counter Editions, this screenprint exemplifies the artist's direct approach, which is profoundly intimate and universally relatable.

Details:
‘It Was All About Loving You’ (2022) 
Edition of 50 
Screenprint on Somerset 400gsm 
80 x 120.5 cm
Signed, dated and titled by the artist

Just Waiting (2022)

Created in 2022 in collaboration with Counter Editions, ‘Just Waiting’ by Tracey Emin is an intimate autobiography of her recovery from cancer treatment following her diagnosis in 2020. The subject, depicted in a coffin, conveys the artist’s frustration and pain, longing for the freedom of everyday life.

Details:
Just Waiting (2022)
Edition of 50 
3 colour lithograph on Somerset 400gsm 
65 x 84 cm
Signed, titled, numbered and dated by the artist

David Hockney

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art, David Hockney's artistic journey began in the 1960s when he emerged as a leading figure in the Pop Art movement. His early works featured bright colours, bold shapes, and iconic imagery inspired by popular culture. Hockney has produced work in almost every medium, including full-scale opera set designs, prints, and drawings using technology such as fax machines, laser photocopiers, computers, and more recently, iPhones and iPads.

No. 468 (2016)

From a series of 4 prints released alongside David Hockney’s retrospective book, ‘Untitled No.468’ represents the exploration of the different artistic mediums Hockney has used throughout his career, now specialising in his distinctive iPad drawings. The use of bold colours, dynamic compositions, and a sense of playfulness embodies Hockney’s artistic vision, inviting viewers to engage with its beauty and complexity.

Details:
Untitled No.468 (2016)
iPad drawing in colours on wove paper
43 x 56 cm
Signed, dated and numbered by the artist
Edition of 250

Banksy

Banksy is renowned for his thought-provoking and politically charged artworks. The true identity of Banksy remains a mystery, adding to the allure surrounding his work. Hailing from the streets of Bristol, Banksy's art emerged in the early 2000s, characterised by stencilled designs that blended humour, social commentary, and subversive messaging. His pieces, often created under the cover of darkness, have appeared on walls and surfaces worldwide, challenging societal norms and critiquing political systems. While maintaining anonymity, Banksy has become an influential figure in the art world, challenging conventional notions of what art can be and reminding us of the power of creativity to effect change.

Axe (2019)

Axe is a collaboration between Banksy and Escif a Spanish artist known for their clean style of graffiti. The two artists collaborated to create a tongue-in-cheek sculpture that appears almost cartoon-like in its simplicity and wit. At first glance, it looks like a regular axe stuck into a piece of wood. But, upon closer inspection, the viewer sees the axe is growing a flower out of its handle, which, while smooth near the blade, becomes rough and more “natural” towards the handle. Once more, Banksy strikes with his creative genius, as the axe – a tool used to destroy living trees – becomes not only a living tree itself but also a life source…

Details:
Axe (2019)
Mixed media sculpture
92 x 20 x 55 cm
Signed by Banksy and Escif
Edition of 10

The Connor Brothers

The Connor Brothers is the pseudonym for British artists James Golding and Mike Snelle. Known for their distinctive style and thought-provoking works, they gained recognition for their exploration of themes such as truth, fiction, and the nature of art itself. Their works often incorporate vintage book covers and collages, featuring witty and poignant phrases. The Connor Brothers' art has been exhibited globally, captivating audiences with its combination of humour, nostalgia, and social commentary.

Women Without Men (2023)

The Connor Brothers use retro imagery and typography to evoke a sense of nostalgia with a satirical edge. Their Penguin series offers a playful twist on the classic and recognisable covers by offering a critique of modern society. Each print is hand-signed and dated by the artists.

Details:
Women Without Men (2023)
Pigment print with silkscreen
75 x 50 cm
Signed by the artists
Edition of 75 plus 8 artist’s proofs

Bridget Riley

Bridget Riley is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to the Op Art movement. Born in London, Riley initially pursued a career in illustrating before turning to abstract painting in the late 1950s. Her distinctive style consists of vibrant geometric patterns and optical illusions, creating mesmerising visual effects that challenge perception. Her influential works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide and have left an indelible mark on the art world, inspiring generations of artists.

Large Fragment 2 (2009)

Representing the artist’s continued exploration of colour and form, ‘Large Fragment 2’ with overlapping its waves creating a sense of rhythmic movement and harmony. The work gives the impression of a three-dimensional space unfolding before the viewer's eyes producing one of Riley’s iconic optical effects.

By juxtaposing complementary or contrasting hues, Riley creates visual tension and depth within her artworks, imbuing her work with a sense of energy. Her exploitation of optical illusions makes her 2D canvases move, vibrate and sparkle, allowing the viewer to reflect on how they feel physically when observing. This was the main goal of the optical art movement, which became popular in the 1960’s through the works of Riley, Victor Vasarely and Richard Anuskiewicz.

Details:
Large Fragment 2 (2009)
Screenprint in three colours on wove paper
149.9 x 106 cm
Signed, dated and titled in pencil by the artist
Edition of 50

David Shrigley

David Shrigley is known for his distinctive and darkly humorous drawings, sculptures, and installations. Shrigley's art often explores absurdity, human nature, and the complexities of everyday life. Shrigley's drawings are characterised by their childlike simplicity, often accompanied by witty captions or ironic statements. His works blend humour with a touch of melancholy, offering a unique perspective on the human condition. Over the years, Shrigley's art has gathered widespread acclaim and has been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums worldwide. In addition to his visual art, he has published several books, including collections of his drawings and writings.

I Destroyed The Tennis Ball (2023)

A common theme across David Shrigley’s work is the inclusion of a varied range of animals, from endangered species like tigers, elephants and polar bears, to domestic creatures like dogs, cats and rabbits. His use of the animal kingdom adds to the absurdity of his works with those featured engaging in peculiar or unexpected activities. The simplicity of these works adds to the humour and accessibility of his art for both kids and adults. Shrigley’s longstanding interest in exploring the relationship between humans and animals comes from his belief that “animals are more authentic and honest than humans”, and that they often serve as a reflection of human behaviour.

Details:
I Destroyed The Tennis Ball (2023)
Screenprint on paper
75 x 56 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 125

Grayson Perry

Grayson Perry in AnOther Magazine A/W11
Photography by Johnnie Shand Kydd

Grayson Perry is a ceramicist and social commentator known for his thought-provoking and often controversial artworks. Perry's unique artistic style and insightful commentary on contemporary society have made him a prominent figure in the art world. One of Perry's most recognisable artistic personas is his alter ego “Claire," Perry explores gender stereotypes and challenges societal expectations surrounding masculinity and femininity.

Map of Nowhere (2008)

“The starting point for this print was Thomas More's Utopia. Utopia is a pun on the Greek ou topos meaning 'no place'. I was playing with the idea of there being no Heaven. People are very wedded to the idea of a neat ending: our rational brains would love us to tidy up the mess of the world and to have either Armageddon or Heaven at the end of our existence. But life doesn't work like that - it's a continuum.” - Grayson Perry

Details:
Map of Nowhere (2008)
Etching in red on Arches paper
162 x 122.5 cm
Signed by the artist on reverse
Edition of 15
Sold framed in yellow painted wooden frame specified by the artist

Alma Singer

Alma Singer is the working name for Kent-based artist Carla Nizzola. Carla’s playfully thought provoking work explores issues around value, art, identity, and female sexuality. Working under a pseudonym allows Carla to overcome the insecurities that come with exhibiting her work, and presents her with the opportunity to reveal aspects of herself that are often hidden from view.

I Fucking Love you (2024) & Shut Up and Kiss Me (2024)

The latest print release by the emerging artist, ‘I Fucking Love You’ & ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’ present a modern view of female sexuality. Each of which are printed on Somerset 330gsm paper and are signed and dated by the artist.

Details:
I Fucking Love You & Shut Up and Kiss Me (2024)
Archival Inkjet on Somerset Satin Enhanced 330gsm Paper
Each 40 x 56 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 25

Damien Hirst

Damien Hirst rose to fame in the 1990s as part of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement, which challenged traditional notions of art. He is best known for his provocative and often shocking works that explore themes such as life, death, mortality, and the fragility of existence. His fascination with the intersection of art, science, and medicine is evident in many of his pieces. One of Hirst's most iconic works is "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," created in 1991. It features a shark preserved in formaldehyde and presented in a vitrine. The piece garnered both acclaim and controversy, becoming a symbol of Hirst's ability to provoke strong reactions and challenge conventional notions of art.

Beautiful, Quite Harmonious (2023)

In 2023, Hirst announced a new variant of his iconic spin paintings. The new series allowed collectors to choose their own colours and effects online and using Artificial intelligence, Hirst has created a system that can create its own colours, designs and names, whilst still being original within its series. Generative and machine learning algorithms replace Hirst’s mechanical tools but preserve the series’ long-standing aesthetic of chance and randomness.

Details:
Beautiful Quite Harmonious (2023)
Giclee print on poly-cotton artist canvas mounted on birch plywood stretcher
100 cm diameter (X-Large)
Signed by the artist
Unique within an edition of 1463

Gilbert and George

Gilbert Prousch and George Passmore, collectively known as Gilbert & George, are a renowned artistic duo who have left an indelible mark on the contemporary art world. Their innovative approach to art, blending visual aesthetics with societal commentary, has earned them a place among the most influential and controversial figures in the art scene. Often appearing in their own pieces, they challenge the conventional boundary between artist and art. Their signature style is characterised by large-scale, vividly coloured photo-based montages, featuring urban landscapes, human figures, and symbols.

Kiss Me and Oh My God! (2021)

With a body of work spanning 50 years, Gilbert and George are recognisable for their use of found swear words and taking London’s urban life as constant inspiration. Each ink wash has been created individually by hand by the artists. Rich, heavy brush strokes depict blunt and direct exclamations the artists often overhear in streets, restaurants or whilst travelling, inciting the viewer or listener to theorise and explore the messages portrayed to them by the artists.

Details:
Oh My God! and Kiss Me (2021)
Suite of 12 unique ink washes
Special 400 gsm watercolour paper and Indian ink.
Each 70 × 100 cm
Edition of 50
Signed by the artists

Harland Miller

Harland Miller is known for his distinctive and humorous artwork that combines elements of pop art, abstraction, and literature. Miller's work often features the playful manipulation of text and imagery, blurring the lines between fine art and literature. Initially focusing on abstract paintings, he later turned to incorporating text into his artworks, drawing inspiration from book covers, vintage pulp fiction novels, and other printed materials. His most notorious series of paintings transforms canvases into satirical Penguin book covers to explore themes of identity, nostalgia, and the power of language.

Hate’s Outta Date (2022)

"I have made two separate versions of this edition – not because it’s worth saying twice – although it is, but more evidently to do with the colours of two paintings I made on the same subject: one blue, one yellow. I made them some years ago now, experimenting with how colour changes the way in which you read a text: pink for instance suggests levity, same subject in green has more gravity. These of course are primal responses to colour, but hopefully the colours in these editions will combine to create their own context" – Harland Miller

Details:
Hate’s Outta Date Blue (2022)
Screenprint
100 x 70 cm
Signed and numbered by the artist
Edition of 250, 125 blue, 125 yellow

Helen Beard

Helen Beard is celebrated for vibrating with movement and colour in a celebration of the erotic experience. Using a vibrant palette and an ever changing framework: from close-crops to wide shots, to create a landscape of intimacy, her paintings are a textural fusion between form and colour, utilising sinuous brush strokes in a motion akin to stroking skin.

Wetting a New Tongue (2021)

Wetting a New Tongue By Helen Beard is a celebration of the artist’s erotic exploration. Beard’s use of her vibrant palette creates a skin-like texture fusing form and colour to represent modern female sexuality. Her use of a close-crop instead of the often-used wide shot creates a stylised portrait of intimacy which simulates motion and has great emotional depth.

Details:
Wetting a New Tongue (2021)
Inkjet Somerset Photo Satin 300gsm
53 x 59 cm
Signed by the artist
Edition of 200

All works featured are available to purchase from Extraordinary Objects Gallery. Please get in touch for further details.