Michael Craig-Martin was instrumental in the development of British Conceptual art during the late 20th century. His initial artistic endeavors drew inspiration from Minimalism and Dadaism. Over the course of his career, he has created sculptural ready-mades reminiscent of Marcel Duchamp and produced vivid paintings that closely examine everyday objects; the interplay between object, image, and language has consistently been a central theme in his work. One of Craig-Martin's most renowned works, An Oak Tree (1973), features a glass of water placed on a shelf, accompanied by text asserting that the glass represents an oak tree. This blend of humor and conceptualism has had a significant impact on the Young British Artists, many of whom were his students at Goldsmiths’ College. His artworks are included in prestigious collections such as the Centre Pompidou, the British Council, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tate, and the Museum of Modern Art, and they have achieved six-figure sales in the secondary market.
