Considering that Glasgow has produced the most winners of and nominees for the most famous gong in the art world, it is perhaps fitting that the Turner Prize will be hosted in the city this year.
The prize, which honours artists under 50 and counts controversial figures including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin among its winners, has come to Scotland for the first time, and with its reputation as an international contemporary art hub, Glasgow will no doubt put on a great show.
As always, the nominees (none of whom come from Glasgow this time around) will divide the critics – and indeed the public. It’s fair to say that contemporary art is still not everyone’s cup of tea.
But both lovers and deriders of modern art are likely to have plenty to shout about this year, with nominations that include an hour-long sound installation, structures built by co-op of eco-builders and a group of chairs with fur coats slung over the back of them.
Before the winner is announced in December, Glaswegians will have a chance to argue out the merits or otherwise of the work at Tramway, where an exhibition opens today. After all, what is art for if not to provoke debate?
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