Michael Landy is a British artist known for his conceptual works that often explore themes of consumerism, waste, and the value of human labor. He was born in London and studied at Goldsmiths College from 1985 to 1988, where he was part of the generation of artists known as the Young British Artists. Landy is perhaps best known for his piece "Break Down" (2001), in which he systematically catalogued and destroyed all of his possessions in a public performance at the former C&A department store on Oxford Street in London. The piece was a commentary on consumer culture and the disposability of objects, and garnered widespread media attention. In addition to performance and installation works, Landy also creates drawings, prints, and sculptures. His works are held in the collections of major institutions such as Tate Britain, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Turner Prize in 1997.