Artist Richard Wright wins prestigious Turner Prize

Dec 7, 2009, 21:16 GMT

London - Artist Richard Wright, whose work includes intricate gold leaf patterns on gallery walls, won the prestigious Turner Prize on Monday night.

At 49, Wright is the oldest Turner winner. He was given the 25,000-pound (40,000 dollar) prize by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy at a ceremony at the Tate in London.

The others shortlisted - Roger Hiorns, Lucy Skaer and Enrico David - received prizes worth 5,000 pounds.

Wright, who lives and works in Glasgow, was shortlisted for his exhibitions at the 55th Carnegie International, Pittsburgh, and Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh, featuring his characteristic wall art.

Wright's display, described by Tate as his 'most complex and ambitious composition to date,' included a highly intricate gold-leaf pattern across one wall of the gallery.

The work took around three weeks to install and will be destroyed when the exhibition closes. Wright creates tailor-made artworks that are designed to fit each exhibition space.

The prize has traditionally been won for controversial work.

Previous winners include Gilbert and George, Damien Hirst and transvestite potter Grayson Perry Grayson. The Turner Prize 2009 exhibition runs until January 3, 2010.