Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not. The vivid and wide range of artists and cultures on the shortlist could be reflected elsewhere in the artsThe Hyundai Mercury prize shortlist,announced on Thursday, was met with a chorus of approval from a wide sweep of critics and fans alike. An unusual feat. The list of 12 was a curation of British music at its best – vivid, and eclectic and very much of the moment. The judging panel said: This is music to construct sense of our unsettling times – heartfelt,exasperated, thoughtful and thrilling.”That is what art does at its best captures where we are as a society, and tells our many stories and is accepting of life. And that’s why it was considerable to see a list that was acclaimed,popular and representative of contemporary Britain. In addition to big names such as Bowie and Radiohead, the list included artists from diverse backgrounds including Skepta and Kano, and Laura Mvula,Michael Kiwanuka, Bat for Lashes, or Jamie Woon – as well as the acclaimed transgender artist Anohni who was previously the lead singer of Antony and the Johnsons. Related: #OscarsSoWhite: Hollywood parents must speak out for diversity in awards | Rebecca Carroll Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com