Michael Craig-Martin is a principal figure of British conceptual art. Since the 1970s he has explored the relationship between everyday, often mass-produced objects and images. The perceptual tension between object, representation, and language has been his central concern. Through exacting draftsmanship, he uses composition to explore spatial relationships by juxtaposing and layering colour. His renown has earned him the title ‘Godfather of Young British Artists’

The three sculptures at Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai—Bright Idea (2016), Headphones (blue) (2020), and High Heel (pink) (2013)—depict instantly recognisable objects from contemporary life. Through graceful lines formed from powder-coated steel, they give the impression of floating effortlessly above the ground - yet are achieved by a support that is hidden from view. The delicate contours of these sculptures allow the viewer to look through them to the landscape beyond, playing upon the relationship between drawing and sculpture, line and scale.