Created: 2008-10-02 00:33:29
Closed: 2009-02-14 10:14:05

This annual prize of visual art, named after the painter J.M.W. Turner, is awarded to a British artist under 50, for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the preceding twelve months.

The history of Turner Art Prize started in 1984, and it was set up to distinguish and celebrate new developments, trends or courses in contemporary art. The candidates to prize are usually very creative and original artists, known for their innovative art presentation solutions, installation art or unconventional sculpture. Their exhibitions are bizarre and controversial, and the winner usually is the one, who is able to intrigue, surprise and start an interesting debate over his/her artwork. Therefore, the exhibition of candidates works and the prize itself gets a lot of media attention every year.

The award is organized by the Tate gallery (United Kingdom), and before announcing the winner, shortlisted candidates held their exhibitions for few months at Tate Britain.

This year the final list includes Runa Islam, Mark Leckey, Goshka Macuga and Cathy Wilkes. Our favorites are Leckey and Wilkes, so we encourage you to vote for one of them, or leave us a comment with arguments, why Islam or Macuga could be a winner.

The winner of the Turner Art Prize will be announced on December 1, 2008.