An artist whose works hark back to the innovators of 20th-century Modernism has won the prestigious Turner Prize.
Martin Boyce, 44, scooped the £25,000 first prize, beating what critics felt was the strongest shortlist for many years.
Held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Tyneside, it was the first time in the prize’s 27-year history that it had been presented at a non-Tate venue and only the second time it had been held outside London.
Glasgow-based Mr Boyce was presented with his prize by the celebrated photographer Mario Testino.
The announcement of Mr Boyce’s win was interrupted by a streaker. The man, wearing a pink tutu and with “study this” written on his belly, jumped over photographers in an attempt to reach the stage.
He said “thank you, thank you”, as he was dragged by his arms by two security guards from the ceremony.
After the win Mr Boyce thanked his parents and his “gorgeous wife and children”.
He added: “It’s amazing, I’m shocked. I really didn’t expect it.”
He explained his work as being about “landscapes”, adding: “It’s about passing through the space and the space between the sculptures as much as the sculptures themselves.”
Six years ago Mr Boyce was inspired by seeing Modernist concrete trees created back in 1925. His entry, likened to an indoor park complete with paper leaves, combined interior design and high modernism and was the bookmakers’ favourite to win.
The Turner Prize is awarded each year to a British artist under 50 for an outstanding exhibition in the previous year.