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Terry Atkinson
Shortlisted: 1985

Terry Atkinson believes that, through art, it is possible to further our understanding of the complex social and political world in which we live. His paintings use commonplace visual forms - such as snapshots, cartoons, postcards and sketches - to describe people and events. These are often accompanied by texts which give clues as to his intended meanings, but also highlight the ways in which images are misinterpreted.

Art for the Bunker 4: The Stone Touchers 1 Ruby and Amber in the Gardens of their Old Empire History Dressed Men
Art for the Bunker 4: The Stone Touchers 1
Ruby and Amber in the Gardens of their Old Empire History Dressed Men 1985
Acrylic on board, 120.7 x 90.2 cm
The artist, courtesy of Gimpel Fils, London
© the artist   Photo: Courtesy Gimpel Fils, London

Terry Atkinson was born in Thurnscoe, Yorkshire in 1939. From 1959 to 1964, he studied at the Barnsley Art School and then completed a degree at the Slade School of Art. He was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1985, for his works shown in London and Venice, as well as his contributions as a writer and teacher.

This information has been taken from The Turner Prize: Twenty Years, by Virginia Button, Tate Publishing, 2003.