No traditional artists on Turner prize shortlist
Nominees include a YouTube video artist and an erotic photographer, but no sculptors or painters
THIS year’s Turner prize shortlist includes a YouTube video artist and an erotic photographer, but no traditional painters or sculptors.
James Richards, Tris Vonna-Michell, Ciara Phillips, and Duncan Campbell have all been nominated for the prestigious £25,000 art prize. The winner will be announced on 1 December.
Two of the artists, Campbell and Richards, have been exhibited at the Venice Biennale. Vonna-Michell had a solo show in Brussels and Phillips had one in London.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The nominating panel said that the four shortlisted artists’ works “suggest the impact of the internet, cinema, TV and mobile technologies on a new generation of artists”.
Adrian Searle, writing for The Guardian, described the shortlist as “baffling”, but says that the “unexpected” selection is a deliberate act of provocation. “The judges this year seem intent on delivering an exhibition that not only shakes things up, but… there is also a desire to bring us things we are somewhat less familiar with than in most previous shortlists. It marks a shift – not only of artistic generations, but of the prize itself,” Searle said.
Will Gompertz, the BBC arts editor, said that all four artists "make work that is in some way, shape or form, a collage" and says the lack of traditional work comes as no surprise. “True to its non-conformist nature, there are unlikely to be any oil paintings or figurative sculptures on display at the 2014 exhibition”, he said.
The Scotsman notes that the shortlist “meets the usual standard of built-in controversy”, choosing artworks that would generate debate, such as that of Richards who takes provocative “raunchy photos”.
The Turner Prize is open to British contemporary artists under the age of 50. All the nominated artworks will be shown at the Turner Prize Exhibition at Tate Britain from 30 September.
Laure Prouvost, a French artist working in London, won the prize last year, with a video installation about the disappearance of her artist grandfather.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
KSI: ‘renaissance man of digital age’ in racism storm
Why Everyone’s Talking About British influencer, boxer and rapper apologised for using racial slur in Countdown-style video
By Harriet Marsden Published
-
Prime time: the rise and rise of energy drinks
feature The YouTuber-backed drink Prime is in such demand it is being resold by eager schoolchildren
By Arion McNicoll Published
-
Turner Prize 2022: a perplexing but ‘eye-popping’ experience
The Week Recommends Despite the ‘apparent conflicts of interest’ of the judges, this year’s Turner Prize ‘looks pretty good’
By The Week Staff Published
-
How James Charles lost one million YouTube subscribers in 24 hours
In Depth Beauty guru sets record for shedding fans after falling out with fellow vlogger
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
What pranks will be banned on YouTube?
Speed Read Video streaming site updates guidelines on stunts that present ‘risk of serious danger or death’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Lubaina Himid wins Turner Prize - in pictures
Speed Read At 63, artist is oldest winner and first black woman to pick up the art award
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Ian Davenport's limited-edition Swatch
The Week Recommends The Turner Prize-nominated artist on his amazing colourfalls
By Felix Bischof Last updated
-
Who are the Turner Prize nominees?
In Depth From iPhones to Martin Luther King Jr – what to expect from the four nominees
By The Week Staff Published