The YBA artist Tracey Emin becomes a CBE, Quentin Blake Receives a Knighthood and the Sculptor Richard Long an OBE in this years New Years Honours list. Ms Emin is best known for, ‘not winning the Turner Prize’ for her unmade bed installation. There is no doubt that she has had a busy year. May saw her promoting hometown Margate with a major ‘Cultural Olympiad’ exhibition, at the Turner Contemporary. She also designed one of the posters for the 2012 Olympic Games, painted a BA 767 airliner, carried the Olympic torch in her hometown and took up a post at The Royal Academy, as Professor of Drawing.
‘For me this honour is a symbol of how art can change people’s perception of life and view the world in a different way. Art is a great enabler as it has helped me to achieve many things throughout my life and through my daily life to help many other people.
‘I am pleased and happy to have recognition for this,’ Emin said. ‘But always in life recognition is not why we do things. We do things because of vocation, because we have to do them.’ ‘It’s been insane trying to keep it a secret but I’m really looking forward to seeing the look on my mum’s face,’ she added.
The Illustrator Quentin Blake,was also knighted in the New Year Honours list. He is perhaps best known for his distinctive drawings that helped bring to life some of the quirkiest characters in children’s literature. For many years, he worked with Roald Dahl on some of his most famous books and his sketches defining the very spirit of Willy Wonka, Matilda and the BFH. He went on to illustrate nearly 300 books with writers such as Joan Aiken, Michael Rosen and John Yeoman. Blake also has had a major exhibition at Marlborough Fine A which runs until 11 January. In London.
Richard Long is one of Britain’s most influential living artists. His work is inspired by his love of nature and through the experience of making solitary walks. He received the Turner Prize in 1989.
Stella McCartney has also been named an OBE, in this years list. 2012 saw her design the kit worn by Team GB at the Olympics and Paralympics. Her work with the team led in part to her being named Designer Of The Year at the British Fashion Awards.
Ruth Mackenzie, the director of the Cultural Olympiad, was also appointed a CBE, for her commitment and hard work, coordinating the best summer events schedule ever!
Read More About Tracey Emin Here
Visit Quentin Blake Exhibition Here
Photo: © ArtLyst 2012