LONDON – Roger Hiorns, who transformed an abandoned flat into a cave filled with blue crystals was today named on this year’s Turner Prize shortlist.
Enrico David, Lucy Skaer and Richard Wright are the other artists in the running for the Turner Prize 2009, in what one jury member described as a “classic” year. Hiorns, who is interested in the problems of modernist social architecture, created the work Seizure last year. Over the year, he sealed a disused south London bedsit and filled it with 90,000 litres of liquid copper sulphate which encrusted each surface of the apartment with crystals.
The accolade has traditionally been won for controversial work. Previous recipients include Gilbert and George, Damien Hirst and transvestite potter Grayson Perry.
Now in its 25th year, the prize is awarded to a British artist under 50. This year’s exhibition of shortlisted artists will open on October 7th. The jury includes Jonathan Jones, Mariella Frostrup, Charles Esche and Andrea Schlieker.
The winner will be announced on December 7th.