At Tate Britain there are two exhibitions currently running, "Turner & The Masters" and "The Turner Prize 09". In the first Turner's work hangs next to that of the Masters with whom he compared himself; Rubens, Canaletto, Rembrandt and Titian, amongst others. And in the second, four of the most promising of Turner's artistic heirs of today lay out their stall as they compete for the eponymous Prize, whose stated aim is to "celebrate younger talent and focus attention on new developments in art". The winner is due to be announced on 7th December 2009.
The other week I had the opportunity to see both exhibitions back-to-back. I started with the first and it was fascinating to see how JMW Turner attempted to pitch his skills and talent against his idols, matching their achievements in scale, ambition, composition. Does he stand up by comparison? For me, he loses out in terms of his figurative work in comparison with the likes of Rembrandt and Titian. But when it comes to the exterior world of landscapes and seascapes he is a master every bit equal to Constable, Pousssin, and Canaletto. That he could compete is not for me in question. I just think that it must have been a dilution of his considerable energy and talent as a painter. Why not just concentrate on being JMW Turner?
By comparison the efforts of the Turner Prize contenders looked slight. Watching the videos of all artists talking about their work, one couldn't deny the sincerity or commitment of the four short-listed artists to their artistic endeavours. When the short-list was announced earlier in the year, Andrea Scheikler the curator, promised us "strongly material, seductive art ..... which the public will relate to easily". The reality, I suggest, falls way short. I think the public will be as bemused by the Turner Prize as ever.
So, by all means buy the double ticket and see both exhibitions for £15 but I'll be surprised if you'll need much more than 30 minutes for the "Turner Prize 09". Just make sure you've got at least a couple of hours to see and enjoy "Turner & The Masters". Now that is indeed strongly seductive art which the public certainly can relate to if the number of people in the exhibition when I was there is any sort of yardstick. I, like them I suspect, value craft, technical skill and ambition. Turner & The Masters had all that in spades.
For further information about both exhibitions see the Tate Britain web-site.
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