December 8, 2009

Richard Wright takes the Turner

Filed under: Art events — Alan @ 7:15 am

turnRichard Wright who has been known as one of the quietist of the flamboyant artists received the Turner Prize Award which totals £25,000.

Wright is known for his ‘out there’ style of works which are usually made of some rare and weird materials such as a whale skull or cows’ brains.

Wright said that he was shocked to find out he won the award, and that he has no idea what he will spend it on outside of some bills.

Aged 49, Wright was the oldest artist on the shortlist for the Turner making the list by one year.  His work was often drawn directly onto the gallery walls in which it was displayed and at the end of a show he often whitewashes his work.

One of the unique talents of Wright is that he does not preconceive his work; instead he simply stares at the blank wall as a canvas and then gets to work.  His entry for the Turner Award was a covering a large wall at Tate Britain with wallpaper with a Braque print of gold leaf geometrical patterns.

The Jury for the Turner Award including the director of Tate Britain, Stephen Deucher and Mariella Frostup the broadcaster.  Both stated that they admired the beauty of his work as well as its originality.

Wright was born in London but moved to Scotland at a young age and was schooled at the Edinburgh College of Art.  Currently Wright resides in the town of Glasgow.

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October 8, 2009

This years shocking, un-shocking, Turner prize

Filed under: Art events — Alan @ 3:18 am

12The surprising and shocking, is most people have come accustomed to expect from the Turner Prize, this year it is the fact that the prize nominees are not shocking that is unusual.

The Turner Prize is now entering its 25th year, and the contemporary art award is known for awarding honours to artists who utilize self-promotion, and excess, and shock tactics.

However, this year’s nominees are all “respectable” artists who triumph with democratic thought, without shocking displays of art. The nominees are Rogers Hiorns, Enrico David, Richard Wright, and Lucy Skaer.

Due to the moderate list, this year’s exhibition may be free from any gimmicks, and be somewhat calm for a change, which in itself is a shock, since the exhibition generally draws in a crowd that are not serious art connoisseurs.

Nominee Richard Wright from Glasgow, stated that the new focus of the award show may be due to the fact that people are now looking for a more subtle, real taste, of the world in all aspects of their life.

He went on to state that this might be due to the fact that many artists are now less focused on exclusivity, and have broadened their style to allow more people to embrace art.

Wright is known for drawing his art on gallery walls directly, instead of on canvas, which is one reason why his designs are hard to find and are not often seen as moving exhibits are.

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