ArtClothText

I’ve recently come across British artist Richard Wright winner of the prestigious Turner Prize. And by the skin of his teeth as he is only 6 months off the deadline of 50 years old. Whilst the Turner prize has sought to address the balance of male and female artists represented in its nominees the age restriction has remained the same at 50 years old. One of my former tutors now in his 80s said to me recently that his best work began in his 60s. There are numerous instances of artists working way past this restriction. Louise Bourgeois for example who is way into her 90s and making robust artwork albeit with an assistant.

Anyway I digress Richard Wright, previously unknown to me, has produced the most exquisite piece for Tate Britain which in turn secured him the award. Masses of gold leaf in a tracery, dare I say, delicate wallpaper effect on a huge expanse of white wall. Intended as a temporary piece, as indeed is most of his artwork, the piece is destined to be painted over with white paint at the end of the show. On camera Richard Wright said he might consider leaving the fresco intact but my own preference is that it should be covered leaving only the memory (and inevitable documentation.) Whilst the idea of a temporary piece is appealing to me I hope the artist has given permission to reproduce postcards so that I may have a record!

submitted by Lesley Bricknell