Martin Creed is a contemporary British artist known for his installations that incorporate vernacular objects such as balloons. Often purposefully irritating to his audience, Creed creates works that make people reconsider their understanding of art. “I think that the best things get under people's skin, make them remember them,” he has said. Born on October 21, 1968 in Wakefield, United Kingdom, he grew up in the city of Glasgow in Scotland. The artist studied painting at the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1986 to 1990. After finishing school, he became disillusioned with painting, believing it be a limited means of expression, and stopped for a number of years. Since then, he has produced numerous show featuring paintings and provocative installation works. In addition to his career as an artist, Creed fronts a rock band, Owada. Formed in 1994, the group performs internationally and plays a part in some of his works. The artist currently lives and works in London, United Kingdom. Today, his works are held in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the Tate Gallery in London, among others.

Martin Creed, Work No. 1190: Half the air in a given space, 2011, Installation, gold balloons