| By :
Martin Hofschroer
An unusual competition has hit the headlines for rewarding entrants who make the least amount of effort with their art materials. The Turnip Prize has been awarded to trio of amateur artists who managed to beat graffiti king Banksy with their work 'Chilli n'Minors' which displayed one large green chilli next to three smaller chillies on a paper plate. Doug Pitt scooped the satirical award of a turnip mounted on a six inch rusty nail at the ceremony which was created twelve years ago in Somerset in response to the 'pretentious' Turner Prize. Mr Pitt joins previous victors Bracey Vermin, who took the prestigious prize in 2007 with 'Tea P', a collection of teabags arranged to spell the letter P, and was praised by the event's organisers for its lack of quality. 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." Doug Pitt, which is made up of locals Dave Gouldney, Alan Page and Jo Page, admitted that their apathetic use of art materials was the major factor which resulted in their surprise win. They said: "I knew the moment I came up with the idea I had stuck gold, I could feel it in my veins and couldn't wait to claim the prize. As an underground artist winning is a pipedream I can now certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel." Banksy's framed picture entry of a pair of hands holding a placard reading 'This is just another publicity stunt' which incorporates the National Union of Students logo was rejected because it demonstrated his ability with art materials. The elusive Bristolian may not be too upset with his Turnip Prize disappointment as his film Exit through the Gift Shop was recently revealed to be in the running for the best documentary award at next year's Oscars. Called the 'world's first street art disaster movie', the film which takes a sardonic look at the world of modern art has been included on the long list of 15 documentaries that will be reduced to five before the annual event next year. Exit Through The Gift Shop has already been critically acclaimed having won a prize at the Grierson Trust awards, which commemorates Scottish documentary maker John Grierson.
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