BRITAIN: An artist known for casting the entire contents of a Kentucky Fried Chicken menu in lead at the behest of a computer last night landed Britain'Keiths most famous and notorious art award, the Turner Prize.
Keith Tyson (33), landed the prize for his science-inspired works - yet despite gaining renown for some of his wackier stunts, his victory was a rare Turner triumph for a painter.
He had been favourite to take the £20,000 prize after displaying a vivid collection of thought-provoking works at the Turner exhibition at Tate Britain, where the award was made at a reception last night.
Judges praised "the strong visual energy of his work across a wide range of media including drawing, painting, sculpture and installation". The Turner is regularly criticised for focusing on the avant garde rather than traditional skills like painting. Tyson's victory may at least appease some who lambaste the award for ignoring those who work on canvases. - (PA)