Shortlist announced for the Turner Prize 2019

An exhibition of work by the four shortlisted artists will be held from 28 September 2019 to 12 January 2020 at Turner Contemporary in Margate.

Lawrence Abu Hamdan is a nominee for his solo exhibition Earwitness Theatre at Chisenhale, and for the video installation Walled Unwalled and performance After SFX at Tate Modern, London. Self-proclaimed ‘private ear’, his work investigates crimes that have been heard and not seen; exploring the processes of reconstruction, the complexity of memory and language as well as the urgency of human rights and advocacy.

Helen Cammock is amongst those shortlisted for her solo exhibition The Long Note which looks at the history and the role of women in the civil rights movement in Derry Londonderry. The jury praised the timely and urgent quality of her work which explores social histories through film, photography, print, text and performance.

Oscar Murillo has been recognised for his participation in the 10th Berlin Biennale, his solo exhibition Violent Amnesia at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge and solo exhibition at the chi K11 art museum Shanghai.

The jury particularly praised the way Murillo pushes the boundaries of materials, particularly in his paintings. His work incorporates a variety of techniques and media including painting, drawing, performance, sculpture and sound, often using recycled materials and fragments from his studio. Murillo’s work reflects on his own experience of displacement and the social fallout of globalisation.

Tai Shani was praised for the compelling nature of her ongoing project Dark Continent, particularly the work’s ability to combine historical texts with contemporary references and issues. Developed over four years, it takes inspiration from a 15th century feminist text, Christine de Pizan’s The Book of the City of Ladies.

Shani uses theatrical installations, performances and films to create her own allegorical city of women populated by fantastical characters, transporting the viewer to another time and place.

The winner of the Turner Prize 2019 will be announced on 3 December at an award ceremony live on the BBC, the broadcast partner for the Turner Prize.