Turner Prize bibliography, 1984-2024: Introduction

Since 1984 the Turner Prize has been instrumental in bringing about a sea-change in the attitude and awareness of the public to contemporary art. No other prize has provoked so much controversy or critical debate. Pickled cows, unmade beds and winking light bulbs have grabbed headlines and dominated the debate in recent years. This updated edition of The Turner Prize offers a concise survey of the most influential British artists of the past two decades, including Damien Hirst, Chris Offili, Rachel Whiteread and Jeremy Deller. The winners and shortlisted artists from each year of the Prize, including those nominated in 2005, are represented by a short illustrated essay, featuring a discussion of their career to date, and full colour reproductions of their work. Written by Virginia Button, the curator of the exhibition between 1993 and 1998, and with a foreword by art critic Claire Bishop, The Turner Prize is the only book in print to focus on the history and impact of the Prize. This unique guide provides an invaluable reference resource for all those seeking a better understanding of contemporary art.

2003 marks the 20th anniversary of the Turner Prize, which has done more than anything else to bring contemporary art to the attention of a wider audience in Britain. This book offers an opportunity to look back over all the artists that have taken part in the prize, allowing readers to make their own selection, including those shortlisted in 2003. All the artists are illustrated alongside a brief summary of their careers.

Since mid 1980s the visual arts scene in Britain has changed beyond recognition and the Turner Prize lies at the heart of contemporary culture in the U.K. This book features a transcribed discussion between Mark Lawson, Grayson Perry (Turner Prize winner 2003), and Lionel Shriver (Orange Prize winner 2005), who consider the effect of the prizes.