Shortlist announced for 2016 Turner Prize

Our daily round-up of news from the art world

Turner Prize shortlist announced | Britain’s most prestigious award for contemporary art has named the four artists in the running this year. The Turner Prize hopefuls are Anthea Hamilton, Michael Dean, Helen Marten and Josephine Pryde, all of whom will exhibit work in the group show held prior to the announcement of the winner. This year’s award and exhibition will be held at Tate Britain in central London, where it returns every other year. As ever, the line-up looks set to divide opinion – and hopefully bring the work of the shortlisted artists to a far wider audience.

Members of performance group arrested in Egypt | After posting satirical video clips on the internet, four members of a Cairo-based performance group have been arrested by Egyptian authorities, reports The Art Newspaper. Mohammed Adel, Mohammed Dessouki, Mohammed Yahya and Mohammed Gabr have all been accused of inciting terror and insulting state institutions. The Egyptian government’s move is just the latest incidence of the north African country’s crackdown on freedom of expression.

Sotheby’s contemporary sale lifts spirits | After disappointing Impressionist and Modern sales earlier in the week, Sotheby’s contemporary sale went some way to reviving things. The sale raised $242 million (with fees), surpassing the low estimate of $201.35 million. Among the highlights were Francis Bacon’s Two Studies for a Self–Portrait, which went for $35 million and Chameleon by Christopher Wool, which sold for $14 million.

Paddle8 and Auctionata to join forces | Internet auction sites Paddle8 and Auctionata have announced that they are to merge in an effort to become the global leader in online art and antiques retailing. By joining forces, the Germany-based Auctionata and US site Paddle8 will represent a powerhouse business, and will be among the top 10 largest global auction houses outside China.

Indiana University Art Museum receives $15 million donation | Philanthropists Sidney and Lois Eskenazi have donated $15 million to the Indiana University Art Museum. The funds will go towards the renovation of the museum, the main building of which was designed by I. M. Pei. In addition to the grant, the Eskenazis have donated almost 100 works of art by artists including Calder and Picasso.

Winners announced for Jerwood/FVU awards | Congratulations to Lawrence Lek and Patrick Hough, who have been named as the recipients of the 2017 Jerwood/FVU awards. Both artists will receive £20,000 to develop new moving image works for exhibition at Jerwood Space next spring.