Explore the Turner Prize – and what the art means – at one day pop up session

Oscar Murillo, Turner Prize 2019, courtesy Turner Contemporary and the artist. Photograph by David Levene 25/9/19

Confused by the art in this year’s Turner Prize? Artist Dan Thompson may be able to help.

This Friday, the artist – usually based at Marine Studios, overlooking Marine Gardens in Margate – is creating Stacks, a pop up reference library at Turner Contemporary. For one day, the gallery landing will be full of books exploring the themes in the work of the four Turner Prize winners.

“The works tackle big themes like civil rights, globalisation and resistance,” said Dan, “which can’t always be understood in a short visit to a gallery. I’ll be working with visitors to find out more.”

Anyone visiting the pop up reading room will be able to sit and read books from Dan’s studio library, and from the public library at Marine Studios, and to take away a reading list to help them explore the Turner Prize further. There will also be a chance to discuss the art on show with Dan and other visitors.

Dan is an award-winning artist, who has worked with communities across the UK. His work often explores local history, and in Margate he has written a series of books about Dreamland, and led history walks. He is currently working with arts organisation Appletye on a project looking at the history of the print industry in Thanet.

Stacks, his reading room, is open this Friday from 10am-5pm, on the landing at Turner Contemporary.

Tai Shani, Turner Prize 2019 entry, courtesy Turner Contemporary and the artist. Photograph by David Levene

The Turner Prize exhibition closes on January 12. For the final weekend (January 11-12) at various times, Turner Contemporary will present a one off programme, including a live sung and spoken word performance by nominee,
Helen Cammock (11 January at 2pm). There will also be a free family drop in workshop inspired by the Turner Prize 2019 artists.

The gallery then closes until February. Some improvement works to the venue will take place during the closure.

Find out more on the Turner Contemporary website