Art Prize shortlist unveiled

2008-09-30 17:30

London - A naked mannequin draped in horseshoes sitting on a toilet forms part of one of several novel art works nominated for Britain's Turner Prize this year.

Scotland-based Cathy Wilkes, who has also positioned a mannequin with her head in a birdcage in the work, is one of four artists nominated for contemporary art's most prestigious prize at London's Tate Britain museum.

The award remains true to form with this year's shortlist. Now 24 years old, it has become synonymous for controversial art, with Damien Hirst - who made his name pickling animals in formaldehyde - among the former winners.

Polish-born nominee Goshka Macuga has recreated the textile displays made by designer Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exhibition in Barcelona, which were destroyed, but for which drawings and photographs remain.

The aim behind displaying the glass, fabric and steel objects without the textiles that once adorned them is "elevating the industrial make-up of the structures to the status of museum objects", the Tate said.

Nominated for three works

Bangladesh-born Runa Islam meanwhile has been nominated for three carefully choreographed film works, which include a slow motion shot of a woman who smashes pieces of crockery one after the other onto the floor.

London's Mark Leckey combines sculpture, film, sound and performance in his nominated works. Homer Simpson and the Titanic movie appear alongside other cartoons in one film where the artist gives a lecture celebrating animation.

The prize is worth £25 000 ($45 000) while the three runners-up get £5 000 each.

The nominated works go on display at the Tate Britain from Tuesday and the winner will be announced on December 1.

- AFP