The winner of this year’s Turner Prize will be revealed tonight at the Tate Britain Gallery. Ever the source of controversy, some journalists have criticised the competition as an ‘annual farce’ as inevitable as the pantomime at Christmas. Some art critics have commented that the competition has become a showcase for a coterie of London-based art dealers such as The Lisson Gallery and acquisitions giant Charles Saatchi. The prize is one of the most prestigious and sought after in the European art community and a dazzling £25,000 will be awarded to the winning artist. The shortlist for this year includes Leeds alumna Elizabeth Price, performance artist Spartacus Chetwynd, film-maker Luke Fowler and draughtsman Paul Noble. Leeds University have tweeted their support for Price, Noble is considered the favourite to win by the bookies, but what are your thoughts? Here is a round up of some responses.
There is a strong group of contenders for this years Turner prize but my money is on Paul Noble. His exhibition Welcome to Nobson teams meticulous technical drawings of his fictional town with weird characters and buildings, such as giant sausage dogs being ridden by humans, giving the effect of architectural plans of this peculiar world. If He did win he’s be the first person to win using drawing as a medium. Good luck Paul.
Poppy Davis, 3rd Year Fine Art Student
Spartacus Chetwynd FTW!!! Expansive, fun, inclusive and alienating at the same time, I think her performances are ridiculous but perhaps have the power to free up space for emerging artists to feel like they can do what the hell they want and not be so precious. First time for everything. Would be timely given Tate Tanks opened this year.
Thomas McGinn, Art Student
The relationship Paul Noble has built between the idea of a place and of person/names is new and exciting. I also think Elizabeth Price’s films are captivating and almost hypnotising, merging together content with no links to create almost fantasy-like worlds. I think it’s going to be a close call between these two, but personally, I think Noble will do it.
Natalie Winwood, Leeds-based Artist
I started torn between Price and Fowler, but Chetwynd unexpectedly stole my heart when I went to the exhibition.
Emily Speed, Artist
I’m a bit on the fence with the nominees this year – I’m not a fan of video art and because the Turner Prize is all about the quality of the exhibition, it’s hard to comment on it without viewing it first-hand within the gallery. I think I want Noble to win.
Zosia Gamgee, 3rd Year Art History Student