Tomma Abts & Abstract Art - OK Yes, Knock Out - No.

In December 2006 German born artist Tomma Abts went down in history as the first female artist to win the coveted Turner Prize. Tomma Abts accomplished this noteworthy historical victory by beating off three other - worthy finalists.

In no particular order of importance these were - sculptress Rebecca Warren who was the fancied hot favourite with many bookies, "billboard artist" Mark Titchner - and finally film maker Phil Collins...(No not him of Genesis fame!).

By winning the Turner prize Tomma Abts added a cool 25,000 pounds sterling to her bank balance. However it's often said that when it comes to the Turner Prize the exposure one gets from winning is worth far more than the cash value...

Well OK - which medium doesTomma Abts work with? Well - she's a painter working in the main with acrylics - creating abstract art. This would tend to go against the form of previous Turner Prize winners who have tended not to be painters. However it was precisely the painting of Tomma Abts that gained her original selection. Tomma held exhibitions in Switzerland - Kunsthalle Basel and the UK - London's "Greengrassi"

"Intimate" and "compelling" are just two of the adjectives used by the prestigious Tate Gallery to describe paintings by Tomma Abts. When it comes to Tomma's actual approach to her art - they describe this as ""rigorous" and "consistent". According to the Tate - when it comes to abstract art - Tomma Abts simply "enriches" it.

With endorsements like this is it any wonder she won the prize?! In my personal opinion I think Tomma Abts is OK, but for me she doesn't have "Knock Out" impact.

Tomma Abts creates her works through repeating geometric shapes and figures on layers of rich colours. I don't consider this a particularly original way to paint. That being said I do find that some of Tomma's artwork work does actually move me in unexpected ways.

I don't really know why - but each Tomma Abts painting measures exactly 48 x 38 cms. However I can see that this makes for more concentrated or focused artwork. Only Tomma herself knows why she opted for these exact measurements.

The titles of art works by Tomma Abts - such as "Veeke" are said to be simply lifted from a dictionary of German first names! Well why not? It beats just giving her paintings numbers!

Based on photographs of some of the prize winning work by Tomma Abts I would say that unlike previous winners of the Turner Prize - Tomma's work is pretty accessible to the general public. Furthermore the artwork of Tomma Abts could not conceivably offend even the most "dyed in the wool" and reactionary of "Mary Whitehouse" types.

In the final analysis I think it's quite possible that Tomma Abts could develop into a household "art name" - a bit like Damian Hirst - before she shuffles off this mortal coil...On the other hand she could simply vanish in a thrice, without trace, from our minds and our media. As I see it - exactly the same reasons could result in either outcome.

Article Source: http://www.topicinfo.com

Author: Flo Cordon worships Art. Read her stimulating writing on 2006 Turner Prize Winner Tomma Abts. Flo provides a whole new outlook on Abstract Art.
You can get a unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Magic Tricks Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Arts & Entertainment | Magic Tricks

How To Learn Magic Tricks - Beginners Tips - By : Kristin L. Thorne
History of Pirates - By : JD Theis..
Robert-Houdin - Magician Extraordinaire - By : Madame CC
The Grand Illusion - Large-Scale Magic Tricks That Won't Fail to Impress! - By : Info
Magic Levitation - The Ultimate in Magic - By : Info
Magic Tricks - Planning and Adapting Your Performance (Part 2) - By : Info
Magic Tricks - Planning and Adapting your Performance (Part 1) - By : Info
Magic Tricks - Inventing Magic - By : Info
Magic Tricks - Mentalism - By : Info
Magic Tricks - Black Art - By : Info

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds

About Us
Submit Link
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service