German artist Andrea Büttner among Turner Prize finalists
May 3, 2017
The prestigious British Turner Prize has announced its shortlist and German artist Andrea Büttner is among the four finalists. The contest is also not just for young artists anymore.
An installation by Andrea Büttner is pictured at the David Kordansky Gallery in Los AngelesImage: Andrea Büttner/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2017
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Upon announcement of the four finalists, the Turner Prize jury said Wednesday it was impressed with German artist Andrea Büttner's portfolio of sculptures, paintings and films and her handling of topics such as religion, morals and ethics.
The 45-year-old was born in Stuttgart and lives in Frankfurt and London.
Not just for young artists anymore
The other three artists nominated include Rosalind Nashashibi, who works with film, painter Hurvin Anderson and painter Lubaina Himid. The latter two are over 50 years old, which is a novelty, as the age limit until last year was 50.
Organizers altered the limit in order to honor those artists who got a late start in their artistic careers. Only one other German, Wolfgang Tillmans, has won the prize.
The Turner Prize, named after painter William Turner (whose self-portrait from 1799 is pictured above), has been awarded annually since 1984 - going to an artist either having been born in or currently working in Britain.
The winner, who will be announced in December, receives 25,000 pounds (around 30,000 euros), with runners-up receiving 5,000 pounds each.
Click through the gallery below for a look at former Turner Prize winner WolfgangTillmans' current exhibition at the Tate Museum in London.
Wolfgang Tillmans and his creative defense of ethical standards
With his camera, Wolfgang Tillmans explores the big questions in life. The Tate Modern in London is honoring the German artist with an extensive exhibition.
Image: picture-alliance/Captital Pictures
Opposites attract
War, gay rights and the refugee crisis - these are all subjects referenced in Wolfgang Tillmans' art. The photographer makes his views public and shares his political opinion. But not all of his work is serious. He also knows how to take a lighthearted look at everyday life - as he does in these images, where he makes fun of today's design standards.
Image: picture-alliance/Captital Pictures
Monochrome poetry
Some of Tillmans' images abide by "less is more" as a guideline, like this masterpiece in monochrome hues. Wolfgang Tillmans likes experimenting with colors and shapes, making his photography often highly poetic.
Other work by Tillmans are busy, like this image of a market in Africa. His carefully composed representation of reality can seem almost staged or painted. The artist's extensive travels have expanded his horizons - and brought him many new photographic motifs.
Image: picture-alliance/Captital Pictures
Life's simple pleasures
Like many of Tillmans' pictures, this one also captures the joy of the moment. Two young men by the names of Juan Paplo and Karl are enjoying their cigarettes and relaxing in a forest while chatting with each other.
Image: Wolfgang Tillmans
Brimming with life
Life can be found in unexpected placed - even between dusty cobblestones. The German artist (pictured) focuses on nature taking back what belongs to it in some of his works. The Tate Modern celebrates Tillmans as one of the most exciting artists of our time.
Image: picture-alliance/JOR/Captital Pictures
Protesting Brexit
Wolfgang Tillmans is known for getting involved in current issues. Most recently, he designed a series of posters against Britain's exit from the European Union. The combination of poetry and politics is characteristic of his work.
Image: Getty Images/J. Spicer
Profane and profound
An intersection somewhere in the urban jungle of London appears to upset Wolfgang Tillmans. His picture "Scheiss Häuser" expresses his disdain towards skyrocketing construction across London and elsewhere, making cityscapes increasingly generic and soulless. The title, profane as it may be, means "f***ing houses."
Image: Wolfgang Tillmans
Fly on a crustacean
The title of this image, highlighting an open lobster with a fly resting on top, is "Astro Crusto." This colorful, modern still life is a reminder that, in the end, humankind can't have control over life and death.
Image: Wolfgang Tillmans
A craftsman and an artist
Wolfgang Tillmans plays with focus in this image. The subject of his composition: a sheet of paper, turned onto itself. In his drive to create striking images, Tillmans never compromises or sacrifices the craft of photography for the perfect shot. His exhibition at the Tate Modern continues through June 11, 2017.
