What is the Turner Prize and what is its primary purpose?

The Turner Prize is an annual award presented to a British visual artist. It is named after the English painter J.M.W. Turner and has become the UK's most publicized art award since its inception in 1984, recognizing achievements across all media.

Who is the Turner Prize named after, and why was this artist chosen?

The prize is named after J.M.W. Turner, an English painter. He was chosen because his own work was considered controversial during his active period, mirroring the often debated nature of the Turner Prize nominees and winners.

What was the eligibility requirement for artists nominated for the Turner Prize between 1991 and 2016?

Between 1991 and 2016, artists had to be under the age of 50 to be eligible for the Turner Prize. This age restriction was removed starting with the 2017 award.

Where is the Turner Prize typically awarded, and how does its venue change?

The Turner Prize is awarded at Tate Britain in London every other year. In alternate years, the ceremony takes place at various venues located outside of London.

What is the monetary value of the Turner Prize, and how is it distributed?

As of 2004, the monetary award for the Turner Prize is £40,000. Typically, the winner receives £25,000, and the other shortlisted artists receive £5,000 each.

How has the media typically reacted to the Turner Prize nominees and their work?

The media gives intense attention to the prize each year, often critically, frequently posing the question 'Is this art?' This public discourse highlights the prize's role in sparking debate about contemporary artistic practices.

How are the Turner Prize nominees selected?

The prize's jury selects the shortlisted artists based on a showing of their work staged in the preceding year. While public nominations are sometimes invited, they are not considered a significant part of the selection process.

What was the impact of sponsorship changes on the Turner Prize?

The prize relies on commercial sponsorship. The withdrawal of sponsorship from Drexel Burnham Lambert led to the cancellation of the prize in 1990, before Channel 4 stepped in to support it.

What role did Channel 4 play in the Turner Prize's development?

Channel 4 became a sponsor in 1991, doubling the prize money and supporting the event with documentaries and broadcasts. Their head of arts at the time, Waldemar Januszczak, was influential in shaping the prize's format, including the introduction of the age limit.

What controversy arose regarding the sponsorship by Stagecoach in 2019?

The bus operator Stagecoach was announced as a lead sponsor in 2019, but this drew criticism due to the chairman Brian Souter's past support for Section 28 laws and opposition to same-sex marriage. Tate and Turner Contemporary subsequently terminated the sponsorship agreement.

How has the Turner Prize been linked to the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement?

The media success of the Turner Prize coincided with and was boosted by phenomena like the Young British Artists (YBAs) in the late 1990s. Several YBA artists were nominated for and won the prize, contributing to their public recognition.

What effect has winning or being nominated for the Turner Prize had on artists' careers?

Nomination and winning the Turner Prize often bring significant media exposure, making artists known to the general public for the first time. Sale prices for winners' works have generally increased, and some nominees have later become Tate trustees.

Which art movement is strongly associated with the Turner Prize's history?

The Turner Prize's identity is closely tied to conceptual art, evidenced by early nominations such as Art & Language in 1986 and its founder Terry Atkinson in 1985.

Who was the first photographer and non-British artist to win the Turner Prize?

Wolfgang Tillmans, a photographer, was the first non-British artist to win the Turner Prize in 2000.

Who won the inaugural Turner Prize in 1984, and what was controversial about their win?

Malcolm Morley won the first Turner Prize in 1984 for his oil paintings. The controversy stemmed from the fact that Morley had been living in New York for the preceding 20 years, leading some to question his eligibility as a 'British' artist for the prize.

Which artists were nominated alongside Malcolm Morley in the first Turner Prize in 1984?

The other nominees in 1984 were Richard Long, Richard Deacon, and the artistic duo Gilbert & George, all of whom later won the Turner Prize themselves.

Who won the Turner Prize in 1993, and what unique situation occurred with the 'Anti-Turner Prize' that year?

Rachel Whiteread won the Turner Prize in 1993 for her concrete cast sculpture 'House.' Coincidentally, she also won the 'Anti-Turner Prize' of £40,000, awarded by the K Foundation to the 'worst artist in Britain' from the same shortlist.

How did Rachel Whiteread respond to winning the 'Anti-Turner Prize'?

Initially, Rachel Whiteread refused the 'Anti-Turner Prize' money. However, upon learning it was intended to be burned, she accepted it, donating £30,000 to artists in financial need and £10,000 to the housing charity Shelter.

What was significant about the 1997 Turner Prize shortlist?

The 1997 Turner Prize featured the only all-female shortlist in the prize's history, with nominees Christine Borland, Angela Bulloch, Cornelia Parker, and winner Gillian Wearing.

What controversy surrounded Chris Ofili's winning work in 1998?

Chris Ofili won the 1998 Turner Prize for his paintings that incorporated elephant dung, both in the mixed media on canvas and as supports. This use of dung drew significant media attention and protests.

What was notable about Chris Ofili's win in 1998 in terms of demographics and artistic medium?

Chris Ofili was the first Black artist to win the Turner Prize. His win also marked the first time in twelve years that a painter had received the award.

What was Tracey Emin's controversial exhibit in the 1999 Turner Prize?

Tracey Emin's exhibit in 1999 was 'My Bed,' which consisted of a dishevelled bed surrounded by personal items like soiled underwear, condoms, and empty bottles. This work generated considerable discussion and a notable incident where two artists performed a pillow fight on the bed.

What was unique about Susan Philipsz's winning entry in the 2010 Turner Prize?

Susan Philipsz won the 2010 Turner Prize for a purely aural work, an installation featuring her singing folklorised versions of the sea shanty 'Lowlands Away.' This marked the first time an artist won with an audio-only piece.

What record did the 2011 Turner Prize exhibition set?

The 2011 Turner Prize exhibition, held in Gateshead, attracted 149,770 visitors, making it the most visited Turner Prize exhibition on record at that time.

What was significant about the 2013 Turner Prize location?

The 2013 Turner Prize was held in Derry, Northern Ireland, marking the first time the award ceremony took place outside of England, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.

How did the 2019 Turner Prize award differ from previous years?

In 2019, the four shortlisted artists—Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo, and Tai Shani—were jointly awarded the prize as a collective after requesting to be considered as a single group.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the 2020 Turner Prize?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional Turner Prize award was replaced by a bursary scheme. Ten artists received bursaries, announced in July 2020, to support them during the uncertain times.

What was unique about the 2021 Turner Prize shortlist?

The 2021 Turner Prize shortlist was notable for being composed entirely of artist collectives, including Array Collective, Black Obsidian Sound System, Cooking Sections, Gentle/Radical, and Project Art Works.

What was the public perception of the Turner Prize according to critics like Richard Cork and Janet Street-Porter?

Richard Cork suggested that the buzz surrounding the prize was a minor distraction as long as it facilitated engagement with new art. Janet Street-Porter defended the prize, stating it entices thousands of young people into galleries annually and fulfills a valuable role.

What criticisms have been leveled against the Turner Prize regarding its perceived focus or bias?

Critics like David Lee have argued that since 1991, the shortlist has been dominated by artists represented by a small number of London dealers, particularly those linked to collector Charles Saatchi. Matthew Collings criticized the art as formulaic, relying on superficial shock value and banal ideas.

What was Kim Howells' specific criticism of the Turner Prize exhibits in 2002?

Kim Howells, then Culture Minister, described the 2002 exhibits as 'cold mechanical, conceptual bullshit,' and added that the attempts at conceptualization were 'particularly pathetic and symptomatic of a lack of conviction.'

What alternative or spoof prizes have emerged in response to the Turner Prize?

The Turner Prize has inspired satirical awards such as the 'Anti-Turner Prize' (1993) by the K Foundation for the 'worst artist,' and the Turnip Prize, which judges entries based on criteria like 'Lack of effort' and 'Is it shit?' The Stuckists also created 'The Real Turner Prize' for painters.

What was the significance of the 'Anti-Turner Prize' in 1993?

Established by the K Foundation, the 'Anti-Turner Prize' awarded £40,000 to the 'worst artist in Britain' from the same shortlist as the official Turner Prize. Notably, Rachel Whiteread won both awards that year.

What is the 'Turnip Prize' and what are its judging criteria?

The Turnip Prize is a spoof art competition created in response to the Turner Prize. Its judging criteria famously include 'Lack of effort' and 'Is it shit?', aiming to mock the perceived excesses of contemporary art awards.

What did the Stuckists institute in response to the Turner Prize?

The Stuckists group instituted 'The Real Turner Prize' for painters and an 'Art Clown of the Year Award' for 'outstanding idiocy in the visual arts,' continuing these awards in subsequent years as a critique of the official prize.

What was the outcome of the 2024 Turner Prize winner's speech?

In her acceptance speech for the 2024 Turner Prize, Jasleen Kaur voiced support for protestors, called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, and referenced a letter urging Tate to sever ties with two funding partners, Outset Contemporary Art Fund and Zabludowicz Art Trust.

What controversy surrounded Delaine Le Bas's installation at the 2024 Turner Prize?

Delaine Le Bas's installation at the 2024 Turner Prize faced scrutiny for alleged plagiarism of an earlier work by artist Edgeworth Johnstone, who was protesting outside Tate Britain during the award ceremony.

What is the official website for the Turner Prize?

The official website for the Turner Prize is maintained by Tate, accessible via the URL provided in the source material.

What did the Guardian's image gallery cover in relation to the Turner Prize?

The Guardian featured an image gallery covering '20 years of Turner Prize winners,' providing a visual overview of the artists and their works that have been recognized by the award.

What was the subject of the BBC News coverage regarding the 2009 Turner Prize artwork?

BBC News provided coverage of some of the artwork nominated for the 2009 Turner Prize, specifically mentioning the shortlist and the artists involved.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to databases that catalog and manage information about the Turner Prize, helping to ensure consistency and organization of data related to the award.

What did Matthew Collings' 'cue card' refer to during the 1998 award ceremony?

The cue card used by Matthew Collings during the televised 1998 award ceremony likely contained prompts or notes for his presentation, reflecting the media's involvement in broadcasting the event.

What was the Tate Magazine's feature on the Turner Prize about?

The Tate Magazine feature from 2002 discussed the Turner Prize, including a statistical analysis, likely examining trends, winners, and the overall impact of the award over its history.

What was the significance of the age limit removal for the Turner Prize in 2017?

The removal of the age limit in 2017 meant that older artists became eligible for nomination, broadening the scope of the prize. This change was noted when Lubaina Himid, an older artist, won the prize that year.

What was the context for the Turner Prize being held in Hull in 2017?

The 2017 Turner Prize exhibition was held at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull as part of the city's designation as the UK City of Culture for that year, bringing the prize to a new location outside London.

What was unique about the 2018 Turner Prize shortlist?

The 2018 Turner Prize shortlist was unique because all four nominated artists—Forensic Architecture, Naeem Mohaiemen, Charlotte Prodger, and Luke Willis Thompson—were video artists.

What was the nature of the 2020 Turner Prize replacement due to the pandemic?

Instead of the usual prize, the 2020 Turner Prize was replaced by a £100,000 bursary fund distributed among ten artists. This decision was made to support artists facing financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What was the primary focus of the 2022 Turner Prize nominees' work?

The 2022 Turner Prize nominees included Heather Phillipson, Ingrid Pollard, Veronica Ryan, and Sin Wai Kin. Veronica Ryan was announced as the winner, with the source mentioning Phillipson's work involving whipped cream in Trafalgar Square.

What was the theme of Jesse Darling's winning work in the 2023 Turner Prize?

Jesse Darling won the 2023 Turner Prize for work described as 'sculptor of mangled objects,' suggesting a focus on deconstructed or altered everyday items.

What did Jasleen Kaur, the 2024 Turner Prize winner, create her animations from?

Jasleen Kaur won the 2024 Turner Prize for her animations derived from everyday objects, showcasing a creative transformation of the mundane into art.

Turner Prize Wiki: The Turner Prize: A Crucible of Contemporary British Art

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Background & Context

The Prize's Genesis

Established in 1984, the Turner Prize is an annual award presented to a British visual artist. Named in honour of the English painter J. M. W. Turner, the prize was conceived to stimulate public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. Turner himself was a figure whose innovative approach to landscape painting was considered controversial during his active career, mirroring the often-contentious nature of the prize's recipients.

Venue and Evolution

The prize is awarded at Tate Britain, typically serving as the venue every other year, with alternate years hosted by galleries across the United Kingdom. Initially, eligibility was restricted to artists under the age of 50, a criterion that was removed for the 2017 award. This adjustment broadened the scope, allowing for greater recognition of established artists and reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary practice.

Public Discourse

The Turner Prize has become a significant event in British culture, attracting substantial media attention. This attention frequently centres on the question of whether the nominated works constitute "art," highlighting the prize's role in fostering public engagement and debate about contemporary artistic expression. The selection process, while inviting public nominations, ultimately relies on a jury of critics and curators.

Awardees & Impact

Artistic Trajectories

The Turner Prize has been instrumental in bringing contemporary artists to public prominence. Early recipients and nominees, such as Malcolm Morley, Howard Hodgkin, and Gilbert & George, represented diverse practices. The prize's evolution saw increased recognition for conceptual art, photography, video, and installation, notably with the inclusion of Wolfgang Tillmans as the first photographer and non-British artist winner in 2000. The prize money, which stood at £40,000 as of 2004, often correlates with increased market value and exhibition opportunities for the artists.

Shifting Landscape

The prize has reflected and influenced trends in British art, including the rise of the Young British Artists (YBAs) in the 1990s. Artists like Damien Hirst, Rachel Whiteread, and Douglas Gordon gained significant visibility through their nominations and wins. The inclusion of artist collectives, such as Assemble in 2015, further demonstrates the prize's adaptability to contemporary modes of artistic production and collaboration.

Recognition and Influence

While often a catalyst for debate, the prize is widely regarded as a significant indicator of artistic merit and influence within the contemporary art world. Critics suggest it plays a valuable role in engaging the public with new art, acting as a barometer for the prevailing artistic climate and fostering critical dialogue.

Historical Milestones

Foundational Years

The prize's inception in 1984 aimed to acknowledge contemporary art and artists. The early years saw a focus on established figures, with Malcolm Morley winning the inaugural prize. Sponsorship has been a critical factor; the withdrawal of Drexel Burnham Lambert led to the cancellation of the prize in 1990. Channel 4's subsequent sponsorship in 1991 significantly boosted the prize's profile and monetary value, introducing documentaries and live broadcasts.

Sponsorship and Venues

Over the years, sponsors have included Gordon's Gin and, controversially, Stagecoach. The Stagecoach sponsorship was terminated shortly after its announcement due to public backlash regarding the chairman's political views. The prize has also expanded its geographical reach, moving outside London to cities like Liverpool, Gateshead, Derry, and Hull, thereby democratising access and engaging wider audiences.

Institutional Influence

Figures like Sir Nicholas Serota, former Director of Tate, played a significant role in shaping the prize's format and influence from the late 1980s onwards. The jury composition, including prominent critics and curators, reflects institutional perspectives on artistic value and emerging talent, contributing to the prize's perceived authority.

Public Perception

Arguments in Favour

Supporters argue that the Turner Prize plays a vital role in promoting contemporary art and engaging the public. Critics like Richard Cork suggest that approaching new art with an open mind is paramount, and the prize facilitates this engagement. Others, such as Janet Street-Porter, have defended the prize for attracting young people to galleries. Sarah Thornton posits that the prize's endorsement can galvanize artists' ambitions, while Frieze associate editor Dan Fox views it as a barometer for the national mood.

Critical Stances

Conversely, the prize has faced considerable criticism. The Evening Standard critic Brian Sewell famously described it as an "annual farce." Matthew Collings critiqued the formulaic nature of Turner Prize art, often based on "banal ideas." Concerns have also been raised regarding the influence of specific London galleries and collectors on the selection process. Kim Howells, a former Culture Minister, famously dismissed some exhibits as "cold mechanical, conceptual bullshit."

Notable Controversies

Iconic Works

The prize is renowned for generating significant public and critical debate, often sparked by specific artworks. Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (a shark in formaldehyde) and Tracey Emin's My Bed (a dishevelled bed surrounded by personal detritus) are seminal examples that provoked widespread discussion and media attention.

Provocative Material

Chris Ofili's use of elephant dung in his works, including No Woman No Cry, drew significant attention and protest. Martin Creed's winning piece, Work No. 227: The lights going on and off, which involved an empty room with periodically switching lights, also generated controversy, including a protest involving eggs being thrown. Fiona Banner's detailed textual descriptions of pornographic films and the Chapman brothers' bronze sculptures resembling plastic sex dolls further exemplify the boundary-pushing nature of nominated works.

Incidents and Reactions

Beyond the artworks themselves, incidents surrounding the prize have fueled debate. Tracey Emin's drunken exit from a live televised discussion and Madonna's expletive-laden acceptance speech (leading to a broadcast rebuke) are notable examples. Protests, such as Banksy's "Mind the crap" stencil, and critical commentary from politicians like Kim Howells underscore the prize's contentious status within the cultural landscape.

Alternative & Spoof Prizes

The Turnip Prize

Instituted in 1999 by Trevor Prideaux, the Turnip Prize serves as a satirical counterpoint, awarded for "rubbish" art with criteria such as "Lack of effort" and "Is it shit?". It directly critiques the perceived excesses and conceptual focus of the Turner Prize.

The K Foundation & Stuckism

In 1993, the K Foundation presented an "Anti-Turner Prize" of £40,000 for the "worst artist in Britain," coincidentally awarding it to Rachel Whiteread, who also won the official prize. The Stuckist art movement established "The Real Turner Prize" for painters and an "Art Clown of the Year Award," directly challenging the Turner Prize's perceived lack of emphasis on traditional painting and its embrace of conceptualism.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Turner Prize" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about turner_prize while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

cayuga county new york

florencio molina campos

turkish cultural foundation

anycast

2008 australian open– men's singles

References

"Head to Head: Turner Prize â Is It Art?" BBC, 2 December 1999. Retrieved 22 March 2006.

"Turner Prize: Is It Art?" BBC, 4 November 2002. Retrieved 22 March 2006.

Barber, Lynn (2006)"How I suffered for art's sake" The Observer, 1 October 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2006.

Clare Longrigg, Sixty Minutes, Noise: by art's bad girl, The Guardian, 4 December 1997.

"Elephant dung artist scoops award", BBC, 3 December 1998. Retrieved 9 April 2008.

"Turner Winner Riles the Stuckists", The Guardian, 29 November 2000 Retrieved 26 March 2000.

Youngs, Ian (2002)"The art of Turner protests", BBC www.bbc.co.uk, 31 October 2002. Retrieved 8 January 2007

Brockes, Emma "It's art. But is it porn?", The Guardian, 5 November 2002. Retrieved 21 May 2007.

"Turner Prize demo 2003", stuckism.com. Retrieved 2 April 2008.

Barber, Lynn (2006)"My Turner's over. Phew!" The Observer, 10 December 2006. Retrieved 16 January 2007

"Turner Prize 07". tate.org. Retrieved 21 May 2007

"Turner Prize 2018: iPhone artist Charlotte Prodger wins", BBC, 4 December 2018

Turner Prize split four ways as nominees decide against a single winner BBC News

A full list of references for this article are available at the Turner Prize Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This document has been generated by an artificial intelligence, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aiming to present a comprehensive overview of the Turner Prize within the specified persona and stylistic guidelines.

This is not professional art criticism or historical analysis. The content reflects the information available in the source and has been processed through an AI model. While efforts have been made to maintain accuracy and adhere to the source's content, users should consult primary sources and expert analyses for definitive interpretations or further research.

The creators of this content are not responsible for any interpretations, actions, or conclusions drawn from the information presented herein. Users are encouraged to engage with primary sources and scholarly discourse for a complete understanding of the subject matter.

The Turner Prize: A Crucible of Contemporary British Art

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Background & Context 📜

🎨 The Prize's Genesis

🏛️ Venue and Evolution

🗣️ Public Discourse

Awardees & Impact 🏆

🌟 Artistic Trajectories

📈 Shifting Landscape

💡 Recognition and Influence

Historical Milestones ⏳

🗓️ Foundational Years

🔄 Sponsorship and Venues

🏛️ Institutional Influence

Public Perception 🤔

👍 Arguments in Favour

👎 Critical Stances

Notable Controversies 🔥

🦈 Iconic Works

💩 Provocative Material

📢 Incidents and Reactions

Alternative & Spoof Prizes 🎭

🤡 The Turnip Prize

🚫 The K Foundation & Stuckism

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

⚖️ Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background & Context

The Prize's Genesis

Venue and Evolution

Public Discourse

Awardees & Impact

Artistic Trajectories

Shifting Landscape

Recognition and Influence

Historical Milestones

Foundational Years

Sponsorship and Venues

Institutional Influence

Public Perception

Arguments in Favour

Critical Stances

Notable Controversies

Iconic Works

Provocative Material

Incidents and Reactions

Alternative & Spoof Prizes

The Turnip Prize

The K Foundation & Stuckism

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations