Special Features - Socially conscious art

Mark Wallinger State Britain 2007 © Mark Wallinger Photocredit: Sam Drake, Tate Photography

Socially conscious art
(03/12/07)

If at first you don't succeed try, try again, as the saying goes - something this year's Turner Prize winner is all too familiar with.

Back in 1995, Mark Wallinger made the Turner Prize shortlist but lost out to Damien Hirst. This year, however, the London-born artist not only made the shortlist but won one of the most coveted contemporary art competitions in Britain.

State Britain

Wallinger scooped the 2007 Turner Prize for State Britain - his recreation of Brian Haw's anti-war protest camp in London.

Haw, a peace protestor who has camped out in Parliament Square for more than six years, inspired the Turner Prize winner to reproduce a replica of the set up. Over 600 items were remade - including banners, placards and a tarpaulin shelter - for the art installation which was housed at Tate Britain.

Articulating fundamental human truths

The jury commended Wallinger's work for combining "a bold statement with arts' ability to articulate fundamental human truths". They also highlighted the piece for its "immediacy" and "historical importance".

As Prize winner, Wallinger walked away with £25,000 which was presented by actor and director, Dennis Hopper, at a ceremony in December. Shortlisted winners - Zarina Bhimji, Nathan Coley and Mike Nelson - each walked away with a runner-up prize of £5,000.

Liverpool - European Capital of Culture

This year, the Turner Prize was held outside London for the first time. The Tate Liverpool hosted the event to celebrate the city being the European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Shortlisted entries are showcased at the Liverpool gallery. Wallinger chose to exhibit one of his other artistic pieces - a socio-conscious film which involved him wandering around a Berlin gallery in a bear suit.

A special exhibition about the Turner's history is also taking place in London at the Tate Britain.

Outstanding exhibition

Each year, the Turner Prize is given to a British artist under the age of 50 for an outstanding exhibition or presentation completed in the previous 12 months (before May). Previous winners have included Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley.

For more information about the Turner Prize, see the link below.