So, the pundits were right and the man in the bear suit has just won this year's Turner Prize, one of the most coveted in the contemporary art world. British artist Mark Wallinger submitted a long film called Sleeper, which showed him wandering a Berlin gallery over 10 days dressed as a bear. It was a statement about being foreign, among other things.
But while this was the most attention-grabbing entry, Wallinger was actually short-listed for the "visceral intensity" and "fundamental human truths" of his Tate Britain installation, State Britain. Here the artist re-created the London Parliament protest of anti-war campaigner Brian Haw for a controversial show. Wallinger, at 48 the oldest Turner winner, was a favorite to win. Other nominees include Mike Nelson, Nathan Coley and Zarina Bhimji. The pize was awarded by Hollywood actor Dennis Hopper at the Tate's gallery in Liverpool, England.
