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Turner Prize 2019 exhibition at Turner Contemporary, Margate

The winner of this year's Turner Prize will be announced tonight at the Turner Contemporary in Margate.

The eyes of the art world are on the Kent town, as the gallery, named after artist JMW Turner, hosts the internationally famous modern art prize for the first time.

Margate hosting this year's Turner Prize

Opening to the public on Saturday, September 28, the exhibition has shown the work of the four shortlisted artists vying for the prize.

The artists shortlisted are: Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Helen Cammock, Oscar Murillo and Tai Shani.

Each one has created work specially which uses elements of the exhibitions they were nominated for.

Gallery director Victoria Pomery said: "It is a really exciting moment for all four nominated artists but it is also for Turner Contemporary, Kent and Margate.

Tai Shani's work Picture: Turner Contemporary
Tai Shani's work Picture: Turner Contemporary

"Out in the town there is a lot of anticipation. There are a lot of people wanting to know what is happening in the gallery. This is a moment really to remember but also to encourage others."

Curator Fiona Parry said the work used a range of mediums from paint to sculpture and video to performance.

Oscar Murillo's Turner Prize exhibition
Oscar Murillo's Turner Prize exhibition

"It makes it a really rich show and there is something for everybody.

"It is a really strong year - it is also quite spectacular. There is a lot for people to see and enjoy."

Oscar Murillo, whose work reflects on his own experience of displacement and the social fallout of globalisation, has incorporated huge canvasses to represent the darkness of the contemporary world. Passengers on a Southeastern train got a preview as he took part of his exhibition on board in September.

Abu Hamdan, whose work investigates crimes that have been heard and not seen, has used video installation while Helen Cammock, who was shortlisted for her solo exhibition The Long Note highlighting women in the civil rights movement, brings together many different voices.

Every other year, Turner Prize leaves Tate Britain and is presented at a venue outside London. It is the first time the prize, named after the artist JMW Turner, will have been presented at a venue with a connection to the artist himself, as Turner spent many years living in the town.

Helen Cammock's work Picture: Turner Contemporary
Helen Cammock's work Picture: Turner Contemporary

The prize winner will be announced at an awards ceremony tonight.

Alongside and celebrating the prize, will be a massive programme of art-related events around the town, Margate NOW, curated by Russell Tovey.

Lawrence Abu Hamdan's Turner Prize entry
Lawrence Abu Hamdan's Turner Prize entry

Turner Prize 2019 is at Turner Contemporary in Margate from Saturday, September 28 to Sunday, January 12, 2020.

It is free. Find out more at turnercontemporary.org

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