The Turner Prize, which is heralded as the most prestigious award for contemporary art in Britain, has been won by Dublin-born video artist Duncan Campbell this year.
Campbell took home the £25,000 prize for his film It for Others. The film was a “topical though not always obvious” film that ranges from African masks and ketchup bottles to the IRA and Marx’s theories interpreted through dance.
This marks the third consecutive year that a video artist has won the prize.
Penelope Curtis, head of Tate Britain and chair of the jury, said: “Everyone felt it was a strong film, well presented and would be happy to watch again because it’s complicated rich and rewarding.”
Dr Curtis added: “Whether it’s about Irish nationalism or the place of the Euro, or the way governments support industry or not, he often has his finger on the pulse in a way that is not immediately obvious.”
Asked about recent success of video artists, Dr Curtis replied: “It’s been such a strong medium for the last 20 years. In fact, I’m surprised there haven’t been more winners.”
