The Turner Prize 2007 has been awarded to Mark Wallinger, it was announced at Tate Liverpool this evening. The £25,000 prize was presented by Dennis Hopper. The Turner Prize 2007 is supported by Arts Council England, Liverpool Culture Company, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Milligan and Tate Members. With the support of the sponsors, this year’s prize fund is £40,000 with £25,000 going to the winner and £5,000 each for the other shortlisted artists. The event was broadcast live on Channel 4 News.
Mark Wallinger was shortlisted for State Britain at Tate Britain, a direct representation of the banners and paraphernalia of Brian Haw’s protest in Parliament Square. The jury commended its immediacy, visceral intensity and historic importance. The work combines a bold political statement with art’s ability to articulate fundamental human truths.
The jury stressed the strength of the exhibition at Tate Liverpool and wished to record their admiration for the outstanding presentations produced by all four artists.