Turner Prize Exhibition unveiled as Stuckists protest

Turner Prize Exhibition unveiled as Stuckists protest

05 October, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

The annual media scrum that is the Turner Prize began in earnest today at Tate Britain. Works by four short-listed artists were unveiled for the assembled art press whilst the Stuckists assumed their customary position at the steps of the gallery to protest against what they see as the promotion of gimmickry over artistic depth.

Stuckist co-founder Charles Thomson and his figurative painting cohorts were handing out badges proclaiming that 'The Turner Prize is Dead'. Their anti-Tate leaflet bore a mock police  'Wanted ' poster saying 'Not Wanted', and depicting Tate Director, Sir Nicholas Serota wearing a crown. It calls him 'The King of Crap'.


Meanwhile, inside, work by the four hopefuls vies for the attention of critics, public and – most importantly – the judging panel, which this year includes Mariella Frostrup. Roger Hiorns – nominated for Seizure in which a South London flat was filled with copper sulphate crystals – presents, among other things, an aeroplane ground down into powder.

Richard Wright – one of two Scots on display – has done a big wall painting and a small one whilst the other, Lucy Skaer, has included a massive whale's skull in her exhibit. Enrico David, meanwhile, has filled a room with oddly childlike paintings and sculptures of bits of the human form.

Plenty of ammunition then for those who think the Turner Prize has lost its function. Thankfully it's not representative of the state of contemporary art world – there are actually people continuing to produce interesting work. They're just not involved with this snore-fest.

The Turner Prize is at Tate Modern until 18th January 2010. Tickets cost £8.

Images courtesy of the Stuckists (www.stuckism.com).

Click here to see all London exhibitions.
Click here to see all London art exhibitions.
Click here for things to do in Westminster.

Spoonfed Team