A doodle on a piece of wood by a former theme park worker has won the top prize in a Somerset contest that recognises the “lack of effort” required to create it.
The entry ‘Dismal And’ by “Bonksy” was one of 69 entries for this year’s Turnip Prize, which was judged at Wedmore’s New Inn near Burnham-On-Sea on Monday.
Accepting his prize, Mr Bonsky from Bristol quipped: “If you set your sights on the gutter and refuse to work hard, your dreams really can come true.”
The 53-year-old winner is said to have reluctantly accepted his prize, a turnip mounted on a six-inch nail.
Organiser Trevor Prideaux said: “I am delighted with the lack of effort taken to create this work. This year’s event attracted a total of 69 entries, the same as last year.”
“It’s fantastic that Bonksy has won. He clearly has what it takes to be recognised in modern art circles and will be remembered in art history for no time at all!”
Other entries included a bread roll nestled in hay and a galvanized staple on a paper plate. The contest satirises the Turner Prize – which is also being presented this week – by rewarding deliberately bad modern art. In previous years, entries have been submitted from Ireland, Italy, France, Canada, Germany and the USA.
The reluctant winner with his prize, a turnip mounted on a six-inch nail
