Mark Titchner’s art explores the tensions between the different belief systems that inform society, be they religious, scientific or political.

His sculptural installations are provocative hybrids that often combine new technologies with old techniques. For instance, How To Change Behaviour (Tiny Masters Of The World Come Out) 2006 uses a computer designed billboard alongside hand-chiselled quasi-magical contraptions. Titchner presents conflicting ideologies and outmoded ideas without mockery or cynicism, allowing the viewer to form their own conclusions. In so doing, his installation questions both our blind faith in science and our obedience to authority.

Titchner describes his art as ‘a dialogue about how you receive thought and ideas’. His works investigate communication and perception. Found text is a constant ingredient. Messages scavenged from song lyrics, corporate creeds, philosophical treatises and political manifestos have been physically described and digitally scripted into the works. In a sculpture such as Ergo Ergot 2006 Titchner uses dizzying optical illusions and hypnotic animation to evoke an hallucinatory experience, emphasising the fragility of our senses and understanding.

At the core of Titchner’s work is an ambiguous attitude towards the ideas that he appropriates that has the effect of empowering the viewer. ‘Put simply,’ he has said, ‘it’s about people having a different relationship to art. Rather than something you walk around, it’s something you have to step inside and interact with. It’s really affirmative.’

Mark Titchner has been nominated for his solo exhibition at Arnolfini, Bristol, in which his hybrid installations furthered his exploration into systems of belief. Working across a wide range of media, including light boxes and extraordinary hand-carved contraptions, his work continues to interweave a vast array of references from pop lyrics to philosophy.

Mark Titchner: Three Minute Wonder

Directed by Emily Dixon
Mark Titchner takes us on a visual and aural journey into his world, disclosing what drives and inspires his work.

Mark Titchner Turner Prize installation, 2006 Photo: Sam Drake and Mark Heathcote © Tate 2006 enlarge

Mark Titchner How To Change Behaviour (Tiny Masters Of The World Come Out) 2006 Digital print, Wood, paint, metal, magnets, electrical components, quartz crystals Photo from Turner Prize 2006 exhibition at Tate Britain. Photo: Sam Drake and Mark Heathcote © Tate 2006 enlarge

Mark Titchner Turner Prize installation, 2006 Ergo Ergot 2006 Wood, steel, motors, electrical and mechanical components, DVD loop, monitors and speakers Photo from Turner Prize 2006 exhibition at Tate Britain. Photo: Sam Drake and Mark Heathcote © Tate 2006 enlarge

Mark Titchner Turner Prize installation, 2006 Photo: Sam Drake and Mark Heathcote © Tate 2006 enlarge

Mark Titchner Turner Prize installation, 2006 How To Change Behaviour (Tiny Masters Of The World Come Out) 2006 Commissioned by Arnolfini with support from The Elephant Trust © the artist enlarge Mark Titchner The Memory Of Our Will Will Wash The Dirt From Your Feet, 2003 Courtesy the artist and Vilma Gold, London enlarge

Mark Titchner If You Can Dream It, You Must Do It, 2003 Courtesy the artist and Vilma Gold, London enlarge

Audio Guide

The Turner Prize 2006 audio guide is available from the ticket office outside the exhibition.
Listen to three clips from the audio guide below.

Audio guide transcripts: Mark Titchner Nicholas Bullen on Mark Titchner Andrew Renton on Mark Titchner

You must have version 8 or higher of the Flash Player installed on your computer in order to view the mp3 player, select and playback tracks. To download the latest version of Flash see here.

TATE ETC. Poetry Commission

Sarah Wardle presents a special poem meditating on Mark Titchner's Turner Prize installation for TATE ETC. magazine.

Artist Biography

1973	Born Luton, England
1992–5	Central St Martins College of Art & Design
Lives and works in London