Tomma Abts – Abstract Art is OK but not KO.

By Flo Cordon

In 2006 the Turner Prize gained it’s first ever female winner. The artist who achieved this feat hails from Germany and is called is Tomma Abts. In order to carry off the Turner Prize – in the final, Tomma had to overcome three notable artists .

They are worthy of a mention here. I’m referring to Mark Titchner curiously known as a “billboard artist”, Rebecca Warren – a highly original sculptress and last but not least Phil Collins – who I’m told makes films. Of the three – it was Rebecca Warren that most bookies were tipping to win the prize.

When the judges cast their votes however it was Tomma Abts who came out on top. She won twenty five thousand british pounds and of course the Turner Prize itself. I am sure the money will come in handy – however it’s the exposure that Tomma will get from winning that’s the really important thing here.

What kind of art does Tomma Abts create? Well acrylic or oil paintings actually – abstract art. Perhaps some would say this is unusual considering this is theTurner Prize. It’s not known for selecting simple “lowly” painters as winners. NonethelessTomma Abts was chosen originally because of her solo painting exhibitions. The exhibitions based specifically at Greengrassi, London and Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland.

“Intimate” and “compelling” are just two of the adjectives used by the prestigious Tate Gallery to describe paintings by Tomma Abts. When it comes to Tomma’s actual approach to her art – they describe this as “”rigorous” and “consistent”. According to the Tate – when it comes to abstract art – Tomma Abts simply “enriches” it.

With endorsements like this is it any wonder she won the prize?! In my personal opinion I think Tomma Abts is OK, but for me she doesn’t have “Knock Out” impact.

Tomma Abts creates her works through repeating geometric shapes and figures on layers of rich colours. I don’t consider this a particularly original way to paint. That being said I do find that some of Tomma’s artwork work does actually move me in unexpected ways.

48 x 38 cms – exactly. These are the dimensions of every Tomma Abts painting. I’m not sure quite why Tomma selected these dimensions. Obviously she finds them appealing and I suppose they make for a very compact painting.

The titles of art works by Tomma Abts – such as “Veeke” are said to be simply lifted from a dictionary of German first names! Well why not? It beats just giving her paintings numbers!

Based on photographs of some of the prize winning work by Tomma Abts I would say that unlike previous winners of the Turner Prize – Tomma’s work is pretty accessible to the general public. Furthermore the artwork of Tomma Abts could not conceivably offend even the most “dyed in the wool” and reactionary of “Mary Whitehouse” types.

It seems to me that Tomma Abts could become a “brand name” of the abstract art world in the not too distant years to come – recognised by one and all. Alternatively she might disappear from our collective consciousness in a puff of hot air and hype. As per usual – only time will tell.

About The Author: Flo Cordon loves Art. Absorb her fascinating writing on 2006 Turner Prize Winner Tomma Abts. Flo provides a whole new outlook on Abstract Art.
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Tags: abstract art, art, art exhibition, art exhibitions, artist, artists, arts, Arts and Entertainment, female artist, female artists, the arts, tomma abts, turner prize, turner prize winner

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