Martin Creed Wins Turner Prize 2001 with Minimalist Light Installation

The Turner Prize for 2001 was presented to Martin Creed at Tate Britain in London, running from November 7, 2001, to January 23, 2002. The selection committee, led by Nicholas Serota, chose Creed over Richard Billingham, Isaac Julien, and Mike Nelson. He received the award for his installation, The lights going on and off, which questioned traditional ideas of authorship and everyday life. Among his provocative pieces is A sheet of A4 paper crumpled into a ball (1994). During his acceptance speech, Creed remarked, "It's true, anyone can do what I do... I just do it better than anyone else." Critics pointed out the nominees' connections to the Young British Artists, which they felt undermined the prize's goal of highlighting new talent.