Turner Prize shortlist 2017: All this year's nominees are aged over 40
It's particularly significant in the light of this year being the first in which artists over the age of 50 have been considered for the prize
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Turner Prize's decision to lift the under-50 age limit has had a surprisingly large effect on this year's shortlist.
Both Lubaina Himid, 62, and Hurvin Anderson, 52, feature when they previously would have been ineligible for the award, with all this year's nominees aged over 40. It's a significant move for the Turner Prize, which has acquired a reputation in the past for being the preserve of the Young British Artist.
Himid's paintings, drawings, and installations make reference to the African diaspora and the slave industry, while Anderson's work explores ideas of identity, as inspired by his Jamaican immigrant parents, often in depictions of Afro-Caribbean barbershops.
Also shortlisted are Rosalind Nashashibi, 43, who is a film artist and painter known for her 2015 piece entitled 'Electrical Gaza', and Andrea Buttner, 45, who works across a range of mediums including painting and woodcuts, often dealing with themes of religion and botany.
"The Turner Prize has always championed emerging artists - it has never been a prize for long service but for a memorable presentation of work in that year," said Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain and chairman of the jury.
"Now that its reputation is so firmly established, we want to acknowledge the fact that artists can experience a breakthrough in their work at any age."
An exhibition of the shortlisted artists' work will be held at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, as part of its UK City of Culture celebrations, running from 26 September to 7 January, 2018.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Hull on 5 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments