This year the Turner prize has been won by Tomma Abts. Tomma was born in Germany, but she has lived in London for the last 12 years. She paints all her paintings on canvases which measure exactly 48cm by 38 cm. She gives her paintings simple one-word names, which she selects from a dictionary of German regional first names. They are abstract paintings – that is, they are not paintings of objects in the real world, but come entirely from her imagination. They are shapes and patterns. The colours that she uses are subtle and interesting. Most art critics agree that her work is very good, and are pleased that she has won the Turner prize. Here are some of the words that one art expert has used to describe her paintings:

　　quiet

　　obsessive

　　mesmerising

　　quite unlike anyone else’s

　　But not everyone is pleased. There is a group of artists called the “Stuckists” who believe that the Turner prize, and the artists who win the prize, represent everything that is wrong with modern art. Yesterday they stood outside the Tate Gallery in London, waving placards and chanting slogans, while the awards ceremony took place inside. The leader of the Stuckists told the newspapers that Tomma Abts’ paintings were “silly little meaningless diagrams that make 1950’s wallpaper look profound”. Good for him. It is important that art should be controversial and that people should have strong feelings about it, either for or against. But he is wrong. I think Tomma Abts’ paintings are wonderful. I would love to have one to hang on the 1950’s wallpaper in my sitting room, but unfortunately I cannot afford it.

　　Tomma Abts’ painting Veeke from greengrassi gallery London