Shark Infested Waters

Charles Saatchi's collection of young British artists is one of the most celebrated collections of contemporary art in the world. "But is it art?" was a frequent cry during the mid-90s, when he exhibited the works of artists such as Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, Gavin Turk and Marcus Harvey. Artists such as these soon fulfilled their promise and consolidated their reputations, vindicating Saatchi's enthusiasm and their inclusion in this eclectic group. This book explores the ideas, aspirations and attitudes that inform each artist and the way that they are manifested in the end product. This publication is a record of 35 artists that were collected by Charles Saatchi during the 1990s and is published to celebrate the opening of the new Saatchi Gallery at County Hall, London.