German painter wins Turner Prize

German-born artist Tomma Abts has become the first woman painter to win the controversial Turner Prize in its 22-year history.

The artist, who has lived in Britain for 12 years, beat video artist Phil Collins, poster artist Mark Titchner and sculptor Rebecca Warren. The judges said the 38-year-old had produced "compelling images that reveal their complexity slowly over time".

Artist Yoko Ono presented the Sterling Pound 25,000 prize at London's Tate Britain. Abts, whose paintings always measure 48 x 38 cm (19 x 15 in), said it was "a real honour" to receive the prize. "I just started on that size a few years ago and it felt right for what I was doing. Ever since then I've been working in that size and it just feels right," she said.

She said she didn't know what she'd do with the prize money, adding: "I think it's nice but every artist in the prize deserved to win."

Abts starts work with no idea what she will create and allows the canvas to evolve as she paints.

This year's Turner show included the first "live" exhibit in its history, with Phil Collins setting up an office which houses staff from his TV production company.

Collins' work also features a film of Turkish people discussing how their lives have been ruined by appearing on reality TV.

Sculptor Rebecca Warren's exhibits include displays of found objects, including bits of fluff, twigs, and a discarded cherry stone.

Mark Titchner's entry features a computer-designed billboard with the slogan, "Tiny Masters Of The World Come Out".

The Turner Prize, which began in 1984, is given to a British artist aged under 50 "for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work". The prize made a star out of British artist Damien Hirst who won in 1995, as well as Tracey Emin who was nominated in 1999.

Work by this year's four nominated artists has been on display at the London gallery since October.

-BBC