Mythical shapes and the impact of oil: Meet the nominees for the art world’s prestigious prize

This year’s Turner Prize shortlist features a spoken-word piece delving into northern England’s industrial heritage and sculptures that dissect the political narrative of oil. The selected works by Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau, and Tanoa Sasraku will be showcased at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, Teeside University, with the final winner revealed on 10 December. Each shortlisted artist receives £10,000, while the victor claims £25,000.

The Prize’s Legacy

Established in 1984, the Turner Prize honors British artists through an annual award for exceptional exhibitions. Named after the painter JMW Turner, it aims to stimulate discourse on evolving trends in contemporary art. This year’s selection promises a diverse array of creative expressions, as highlighted by Jury Chair Alex Farquharson, who described the works as “a compelling reflection of the breadth and vitality of contemporary British art.”

Simeon Barclay

Barclay’s performance integrates his upbringing in Huddersfield and the stark realities of northern industry, set against live percussion and horn. His work stands alone in its focus on performance rather than sculpture, offering a unique lens on themes like Britishness, class, and identity.

“The jury found Barclay’s debut performance impressive for its exploration of Britishness, class, race, and masculine identity through an evocative, experimental use of language and a psychologically immersive soundscape.”

With its timely subject matter, Barclay’s piece could mark the first win for a spoken-word work since 2019, making it a strong contender.

Kira Freije

Freije crafts sculptures from metal, fabric, and reclaimed materials, evoking universal emotions through figures like stonecast faces and life-sized forms built from bare armatures. Her installations invite viewers to ponder human experiences through striking visual contrasts.

“The jury commended the emotional depth of Freije’s work, noting its unique sculptural vocabulary and the haunting, expressive way it reshapes space through carefully arranged figures.”

Her gender-neutral figures, open to interpretation, are both memorable and distinctive, likely capturing judges’ attention with their innovative style.

Marguerite Humeau

Humeau’s creations blend natural elements with speculative futures, using light and sound loops to evoke imagined worlds. Her work delves into ecological and existential themes through inventive forms and scale shifts, offering a cinematic perspective on the planet’s history.

“The jury was captivated by Humeau’s cinematic exhibition, which engages with ecological and existential themes through inventive forms, speculative scenarios, and dynamic shifts in scale.”

While her focus on non-human narratives may differ from others, the mythical quality of her shapes could resonate deeply with the judges.

Tanoa Sasraku

Sasraku’s installation examines oil’s geopolitical legacy through object-like sculptures, emphasizing recent military and political histories. It uses a minimalist, clinical approach to convey both irony and gravity in its exploration of power dynamics.

“The jury praised the precision and sophistication of Sasraku’s installation, which addresses complex historical issues with strong contemporary relevance, and its clinical, minimalist display that conveys both irony and seriousness.”

Given current global tensions over oil prices and the Iran war, Sasraku’s work may be the most relevant on the shortlist, potentially influencing the judges’ decision with its direct engagement with pressing issues.