| By :
Martin Hofschroer
An amateur artist has beaten Banksy to an award which rewards entrants for lack of effort. Doug Pitt was awarded the Turnip Prize for a work called 'Chilli n'Minors' which featured one large green chilli and three smaller chilli's on a paper plate at a ceremony held in Somerset. Banksy's losing entry was a framed painting that showed a pair of hands holding a placard reading 'This is just another publicity stunt' and incorporating the National Union of Students logo. It was always unlikely that the world famous graffiti artist was going to add to his recent Oscar long list nomination and Grierson Trust British award because his effort displayed a modicum of artistic ability. The award's organisers praised the poor standard of competition at this year's event and said they were happy to give the prize, a turnip mounted on a six-inch nail, to Mr Pitt. Organiser Trevor Prideaux said: "It's fantastic that Doug has won, he clearly has what it takes to be recognised in modern art circles (which unlike his pick have no point) and will be remembered in art history for no time at all." Indoor landscaper Doug, who is actually a woman, confessed that this was the first time he had entered the Turnip Prize and claimed that his apathy was the main factor contributing to the win. He said: "I aimed low and luckily reached far lower than I could have dreamed. I am amazed at what my mediocrity and indifference has achieved and proud that my children have absolutely nothing to live up to." Meanwhile, it appears that the success of Banksy prints has lead to some authorities coming round to recognising graffiti as a credible art form instead of criminal vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The Hackney Citizen newspaper reported that the borough's council is to set review its policy on street art following a controversy surrounding a giant rabbit mural by artist ROA. Councillor Feryal Demirci said that Hackney council respected the local scene and they were keen to review their definition street art but reserved the right to remove anything that was clearly tagging. The councillor was unable to confirm or deny rumours that Hackney council had introduced a policy to remove all street art before the 2012 Olympics as the authority has history in painting over Banksy graffiti.
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