For the first time since 1998, a woman has managed to bag the Turner Prize. A painter no less – something practically unheard with the Turner. Still, you got to hand it to Tomma Abts, her paintings are something else. They’re a bit like Marmite; you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Me, I’m not so keen. However, hands up, I know they’re special. I know this because they mess with my head. They’re so small, so modest, so quietly clever. They are, like nothing you ever saw before. From the off, Abts was tipped as the favourite to win the £40,000 (sponsors Gordon's Gin helped up the £25,000 on offer) prize. She was the out and out winner, surpassing those other shortlisted talents of Phil Collins, Mark Titchner and Rebecca Warren. So, really, it was no big surprise when Yoko Ono opened the envelope and called out her name. Towering like a giant beside the diminutive Ono, Abts was calm as can be, thanking her galleries and the likes. She was serene and composed and unassuming. Kind of impressive, I think. I imagine she’s a bit like her paintings, quiet on the outside with a whole lot going on underneath. Because, these works, they look simple but are quite the opposite. They're created over months, with layers and layers of paint, applicated with precision and grace. Now, that's not to say that I like them. I don't. Hell, I don't even get them (and yes, maybe that's the point... I don't know). But, like I said before, I know they're good. I know they're something serious.
Turner Prize 2006 is showing at Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1, from 3rd October to 14th January 2007.
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