One of the more obvious differences between Habitat and Cigarette Box are the forms they are presented in. Habitat is at first glance an ordinary, nylon sleeping bag. From previous experience with sleeping bags, you would suspect it provides the usual softness and security a sleeping bag is made for. It is also presented very naturally with the zipper and the inner lining showing. To the surprise of the viewer, Habitat is actually a solid object. Cast in bronze, it seizes to maintain its normal characteristics, and is now made into a hostile, rough object. Cigarette box, however, is a colorful, even cheerful photograph of a man holding a box of knickknacks. It is a medium shot that is in shallow focus, where the objects in the front are sharp, but the background is blurry. The viewers eye first glances upon the box of trinkets and the colorfulness of it and then moves along to the man holding the box. The natural colors of the background, and the use of complimentary colors, such as green and red, create a painting-like quality to the photograph.
Different forms of art aside, both artists, Martin Parr and Gavin Turk share a a critique of society that is obvious in their pieces. Turk's way of using a precious metal to cast a dirty, old sleeping bag, is a strong statement of how class systems still exist, in a way. Historically, bronze has been used in sculptures of lords or generals, usually on podiums that force the viewer to glance up. In this case, Turk used bronze on an item that is associated with the lower class, the homeless to be precise that society looks down on figuratively speaking, as well as literally. This creates an interesting juxtaposition of the higher class and the lower class. Martin Parr also uses similar techniques in his photography, with most photos dealing with consumerism. Dakar, the exhibition where Cigarette Box was presented, has pictures with, again, a juxtaposition of poverty with the ever growing need to consume. Even though the trinkets in the photo are cheap items including q-tips and brushes, the amount of objects piled in the box makes a clear statement about consumerism. Also, the title of the exhibition, Dakar, already gives away a bit of the critique Parr has on society. When the viewer pictures Dakar in their heads, the image of the Cigarette Box would not be the first to come to mind.
Strangely enough, both pieces also share a sense of glamour in them, which is hidden behind the social commentary. The glamour is more obvious in Parr's work through the ultra vivid color and the fashion photography style he uses. In the Cigarette Box, he is able to blur the borders between art, documentation, and fashion, with the arrangement and the neon colors of the items pictured. Parr is a master of irony and he makes ordinary day to day objects seem to have allure beyond their intention. Turk's Habitat finds more harmony and beauty than glamour and fashion. A normally unvalued item is presented amongst highly valued and appreciated art. Even without the bronze cast, Habitat manages to draw attention and wonder to it. Seen on the street, a sleeping bag would go unnoticed, but in an art gallery, it is very much noticed either positively or negatively. The earthy tones and soft looking surface is comforting and harmonious in an unconventional way.
Gavin Turk and Martin Parr are unorthodox artists, and their works relate the same stylistic manner. Both Habitat and Cigarette Box acquire a strong statement about society and the modern day world. Judgement is passed equally on consumerism, as well as on social issues, such as poverty and homelessness. Parr, as a photographer, effortlessly captures scenes and moments where people are presenting themselves in bad situations. Cigarette Box is not as much about only humanity and human nature, but about how society is changing, presented with an mischievous, ironic twist. Turk has a more serious declaration against social inequality. His work, even without further analyzation is obviously meant to make the viewer contemplate the roles we take in society. Both artists are effective in their individual styles, and even though they might appeal to different audiences, they are alike in many ways.
Bibliography
Aberdeen Art Gallery
BBC. Collective. “Gavin Turk 'The Golden Thread'”. Francesca Gavin. <> [Accessed on 7.4.2011]
White Cube. "The Golden Thread". <
Times Online. "Martin Parr polarises the world of photography". Robert Sandall. <
Tate Modern. Past Exhibitions. "Cruel and Tender". <