McQueen wins Turner Prize

McQueen's £20,000 Turner Prize Win Makes it 2-in-a-row for Black British Artists

Film-maker Steve McQueen became Black Britain's second winner of the prestigious Turner Art Prize. His winning entry called Deadpan pays tribute to the golden age of silent slapstick cinema. In it he re-enacts Buster Keaton's most famous stunt from Steamboat Bill Jr, (1928). Receiving the award, McQueen, the 1999 finalist, said: "I'm very happy. I was surprised, in fact very surprised".

Pioneering experiments
McQueen highlights major themes of journeying, movement, dislocation and exile. Themes that resonate in many Black British communities. To make the work the artist rolled a metal barrel through the streets of Manhattan, with cameras mounted in the top, bottom and side. The artist can be heard above the city sounds and that of the rolling barrel itself, apologising to passers by for the obstruction.

Footsteps
McQueen's art win follows that of Chris Ofili, the 1998 winner, and the first British black artist to take the coveted Turner Prize. Ofili, featured in The Chronicle's Gallery, is known for his Afro-Pop paintings including collaged chunks of elephant dung.

Like Ofili, McQueen's Tate award will bring popularity and financial benefits. Ofili's work has rocketed to the top of the art market, with one painting recently selling at auction for $39,000, about double the price commanded by his work just six months before, says Walter Robinson, editor of Artnet magazine. According to a spokesperson at Arthur Reynolds Gallery, McQueen's London gallery, the attendant publicity has boosted the value of his work well above their current £30,00-£50,000 prices.

Artist's background
Steve McQueen was born in London in 1969. After studying at Chelsea School of Art, he attended Goldsmiths' College, London, and Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, New York. McQueen has exhibited widely in Europe and the United States. Most recently a major solo exhibition of his work was shown at the Institute of Contemporary Art, London, before touring to the Kunsthalle, Zurich. He currently lives and works in Amsterdam.

Contact details
The Tate Gallery, London

The Anthony Reynolds Gallery
5 Dearing Street
London W1R 9AB
Tel: 0171-491-0621
Fax: 0171-495-2374

See Archives for article on Chris Ofili