Conceptual bull: Culture minister and his critique of the best of British art

The culture minister Kim Howells launched an intemperate attack on the art world's most controversial contest yesterday, accusing this year's Turner prize contenders of producing "conceptual bullshit".

He had attended a private viewing of the four shortlisted artists at the Tate Britain – and left a note in the gallery expressing his views.

The exhibits include a retelling of a pornographic film in pink letters, a Perspex ceiling in coloured bands and a giant black block entitled The Thinker.

Mr Howells, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, told The Independent: "If this is the best the British art establishment can come up with, then God help us ... And the final insult was to walk through a room of Francis Bacons and Henry Moores that exuded artistic ability and humanity."

In a withering signed note left on a message board at the gallery, he said: "It's cold, mechanical conceptual bullshit ... The attempts at contextualisation are particularly pathetic but symptomatic of a lack of conviction." Mr Howells denied he was out of touch with modern art.

The Turner prize, open to British artists under 50, has been repeatedly dismissed by critics. Last year, it was won by Martin Creed for a light flashing on and off in an empty room and Tracey Emin was shortlisted in 1999 for an unmade bed complete with soiled sheets.