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The prestigious Turner Prize, a British contemporary art award, has announced its four finalists for its 40th anniversary, showcasing diverse and thought-provoking projects.
The Turner Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the contemporary art world, has revealed the names of its four finalists for its 40th anniversary celebration. The British prize, known for its unconventional and often controversial choices, has selected a diverse group of artists with projects ranging from a car covered in a giant doily to drawings inspired by Roma culture.
Among the finalists is Pio Abad, a London-based artist born in the Philippines who was chosen for his exhibition of drawings, prints, and sculptures inspired by current events in his native country, displayed at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Abad, 40, shares the spotlight with three British artists: Claudette Johnson from Manchester, Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur, and English artist Delaine Le Bas.
Claudette Johnson, a 65-year-old founding member of the Black British Arts movement, is renowned for her large-scale drawings of black men and women, which have recently been featured in exhibitions in London and New York. Her powerful and evocative works have earned her a place among the finalists.
Jasleen Kaur, 37, was selected for one of her pieces exhibited in Glasgow — an installation of family photographs centered around a Ford Escort covered in a giant doily. The unconventional and eye-catching work showcases Kaur’s unique perspective and creative approach.
Delaine Le Bas, 58, caught the attention of the jury with her series of painted fabrics adorned with objects influenced by her Roma culture and origins. Le Bas’s work offers a fascinating glimpse into a rich cultural heritage and its contemporary expressions.
The winner of the Turner Prize will be announced at a ceremony on December 3rd and will receive £25,000 (€29,000), while the other finalists will each receive £10,000 (£11,500). Their works will be exhibited at the Tate Britain from September 25th to February 16th, 2025, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with these compelling contemporary artworks.
Created in 1984 and named after the painter William Turner, the Turner Prize has a reputation for its nonconformity and has been no stranger to controversy. Over the years, it has been awarded to notable artists such as Gilbert & George, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, Antony Gormley, Chris Ofili, Steve McQueen, and Damien Hirst.
Alex Farquharson, the chair of the jury, praised the 2024 finalists in a statement, saying, “The finalists show just how captivating, surprising, and moving contemporary art can be, speaking powerfully to complex identities and memories through subtle details.”
Last year’s winner, British artist Jesse Darling, was awarded the prize for installations that evoked “societal breakdown.” The jury commended Darling’s use of common materials and objects, such as concrete and metal barriers, to create a world that is both “familiar” and “delirious.”
As the Turner Prize celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to showcase the diversity and vitality of contemporary art in the United Kingdom and beyond. The four finalists for 2024 demonstrate the power of art to engage with pressing social and cultural issues, to challenge conventions, and to inspire new ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.
With AFP