1991
Winner:
Anish Kapoor
Shortlist:
Jury:
- Maria Corral, Director, Reina Sofia Centre, Madrid
- Penny Govett, representative of the Patrons of New Art
- Andrew Graham-Dixon, art critic, The Independent
- Norman Rosenthal, Exhibitions Secretary, Royal Academy of Arts
- Adrian Ward-Jackson, Chairman, Contemporary Art Society
- Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate Gallery
Turner Prize focuses on a younger generation
The Turner Prize returned with a carefully redefined format, an improved exhibition and a revitalised promotional campaign enhanced by the enthusiastic backing of its new sponsor Channel 4. The number of artists shortlisted was restricted to four with an age limit of fifty and it was now judged on ‘an outstanding exhibition or presentation’ during the preceding year. The nomination of three artists under thirty immediately put the emphasis on a younger generation, which concerned some critics but undeniably energised the Prize.
Rachael Whiteread's installation from the 1991 Turner Prize© Tate Photography
The 1991 Turner Prize poster Quotes
‘I … recall a collective sigh of relief when Serota suggested that we need not consider youth a drawback, that we need not play safe in our choices.’
– Andrew Graham-Dixon, juror, The Independent, January
‘The judges’ flamboyant gesture on behalf of youth will certainly have its televisual appeal … but … the 1991 Turner Prize will go down as a massive institutional snub to a chapter in British art, the generation of artists contemporary with Kapoor.’
– David Cohen, The Times Saturday Review, November 1991
Other News
- US launches operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait
- Collapse of USSR
- Computers on the internet reach one million
- ‘Birmingham Six’ accused of bombing pubs have their convictions overturned
- Serpentine Gallery’s exhibition Broken English opens showcasing young British artists
- Frieze magazine launches
- Turner Prize relaunches with Channel 4 sponsorship
- Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen dies