Richard Wentworth

Richard Wentworth is arguably one of the more influential figures on the contemporary British art scene. After graduating from the Royal College of Art (where he was a contemporary of Bill Woodrow and Tony Cragg) Wentworth went on to work for Henry Moore. He claims that during this time Yoko Ono pinched his bicycle for some art project and never paid him back - the naughty girl...

Inspired by Dada and Surrealism, Wentworth's sculptures are characterised by the inappropriate juxtaposition of found objects. Light bulbs and books are recurring objects of interest as the artist seeks to subvert established functions and methods of classification.

Between 1971 and 1987 Wentworth taught at Goldsmiths College and his influence can clearly be seen all over the works of the YBAs - particularly Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Sarah Lucas. Wentworth is currently imparting his knowledge and experience to a new generation of artists as director of the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford.

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