The finalists for this year's Turner Prize have been announced, as the iconic prize returns to Liverpool for the first time in 15 years.
Tate Liverpool announced the shortlist, confirming the diverse pool of talented artists as Heather Phillipson, Ingrid Pollard, Veronica Ryan and Sin Wai Kin. The Turner Prize winner will be awarded £25,000 while the shortlisted artists will receive £10,000.
The famed Albert Dock venue will play host to an exhibition of their work from October 20 until March 19, 2023. The winner of the Turner Prize will be announced in December at an award ceremony here in the city.
READ MORE: Greggs worker unamused as customers keep making same request
The annual Turner Prize aims to promote and encourage debate about contemporary British art. It was established in 1984, named after legendary painter JMW Turner. This year, it has returned to Liverpool for the first time since 2007.
Tate Liverpool was the first gallery outside London to host the prize all those years ago, returning today with what Helen Legg, director of Tate Liverpool and co-chair of the Turner Prize jury, described as "what feels like a delayed Turner Prize but also a celebration". Like many events and experiences, the prize has felt the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Helen Legg commented: "I'm excited that these four outstanding artists will be showing their work in Liverpool for this year's Turner Prize in what should be a mesmerising and dynamic exhibition. The jury has travelled the length and breadth of the country, taking advantage of the easing of lockdown to enjoy the explosion of creativity that has emerged from the pandemic.
"The result is a diverse group of artists, each with a singular vision, who impressed the judges with the intensity of their presentations, while also dealing with the important issues facing our society today."
Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain and co-chair of the Turner Prize jury, said: "With so many museums and galleries reopening in May 2021, it's been a terrific 12 months for contemporary British art, as demonstrated by this excitingly rich and varied Turner Prize shortlist.
"Art has provided much-needed enjoyment and escape over the past year, but it has also helped to reconnect us with each other and the world around us, as the practises of the four shortlisted artists variously exemplify. I congratulate all four artists on their brilliant contributions and can't wait to see their exhibition at Tate Liverpool."
Offering advice for any aspiring artists working in the country, Turner Prize juror Christine Eyene told the ECHO : "Be committed to your art and be truthful to your practice - and be original. Maybe look at what other artists are doing to find your own voice."
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to one of our free newsletters
