Ikon Icons sees the return to Ikon of five key British artists from an exhibition programme that has extended over five decades. John Salt is our Ikon Icon for the 1960s, to be followed by Ian Emes (1970s), Cornelia Parker (1980s), Yinka Shonibare (1990s) and Julian Opie (2000s). A presentation of work by each takes place, consecutively, throughout 2014 in Ikon’s Tower Room.

The series is a major component of Ikon 50, the programme of exhibition and events celebrating Ikon’s 50th anniversary.

John Salt, the first artist ever to exhibit at Ikon, shows paintings, prints and sculpture made before he embarked on an artistic career both in the US and the UK that saw him acknowledged internationally as a major exponent of Photorealism. They reflect a pop sensibility, a subtle sense of humour and an abiding interest in cars.