The Simpsons Get Artsy

Understanding contemporary art now requires an open mind and an appreciation of two-dimensional cartoon characters. The United Kingdom’s annual Turner Prize for contemporary art was awarded to Mark Leckey for his video “Industrial Light and Magic,” which combines Felix the Cat and an episode of The Simpsons under a voiceover from the artist. The “intelligent, energetic, and seductive nature of the work” was hailed as the “runaway favorite” of judges, while critics are panning the prize as the "worst on record," comparing it to an “afternoon spent in a Heathrow departure lounge.” Previous winners include an empty room with flashing lights and a canvas with elephant dung attached. Who says art is dead?