Talks & Performances

Gavin Turk – Art History & Rubbish

Saturday, September 19, 2026 2:00 pm

  • Saatchi Gallery
  • Approx. 1hr
  • £15
  • Tickets Available
Gavin

Gavin Turk traces the story of rubbish in art, from the point industrial society first produced ‘waste’ as a category, through Duchamp’s ready-mades and the moment artists began building with, rather than merely depicting discarded material. Along the way: Schwitters scavenging the street for his Merz collages, Arman’s Le Plein (Full Up), Manzoni selling his own waste as gold and the now famous stories of artworks mistaken for rubbish and swept away entirely. The talk closes in the present, where waste become both medium and emergency, asking what we choose to keep, and what that choice reveals about value itself. 

This event is presented in association with Alison Jackson.

Speakers

Gavin Turk

Event Information

Ticket Information

£15.00
+ booking fee


Venue Address

Saatchi Gallery
Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd,
London
SW3 4RY


IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Cadogan

Cadogan’s association with Chelsea began over 300 years ago. Since then, the Cadogan Estate has become one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods, stretching north along Sloane Street, south through Sloane Square and along the King’s Road.

Cadogan is a family business, property manager, investor and developer. They are committed to investing in the long-term success of Chelsea, while safeguarding its future vibrancy.

hologram_image