Stuckism

Stuckism is an art movement founded in 1999 in the UK by Billy Childish and Charles Thomson. Its main aim was the promotion of figurative art in direct opposition to the rise of conceptual art as espoused by the YBA. From its lowly origins of a meagre group comprising just 13 artists, it has now expanded to over 200 groups in 48 countries. A truly international organisation. By numerous shows and demonstrations the Stuckists have gained media awareness. This has been achieved by outspoken comments and demonstrations, particularly outside Tate Britain railed particularly against the Turner Prize. The proponents to show their scorn, have even resorted to dressing in clown costumes. They have also clearly stated their opposition to the Saatchi-patronised Young British Artists. After exhibiting mainly in smaller galleries in Shoreditch, London, they were given their major first show in 2004. This took place in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool as part of the Liverpool Biennial.

Other campaigns mounted by the group include through official channels, such as standing in the 2001 general election and reporting Saatchi to the Office of Fair Trading to complain about his power in the art world. Their complaint was not upheld. They also applied under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, for Tate Gallery trustee minutes, which started a media outrage about the purchase of Chris Ofili's work, ‘The Upper Room’ and led to an official rebuke of the Tate by the Charity Commission. Ofili was at the time of purchase, on the board of Tate Trustees thus smacking of nepotistic practice. The term Stuckist or Stuckism was coined in January 1999 by co-founder Charles Thomson in response to a poem allegedly recited to him several times by co-founder Billy Childish. Childish records in it that his former girlfriend, Tracey Emin (of YBA fame) had said he was "stuck! stuck! stuck!" with his art, poetry and music. The Stuckists achievements have grabbed media attention. But, arguably their biggest achievement has been to enhance the profile of the YBA.