Turner Prize 1993

Vong Phaophanit with Neon Rice Field at the 1993 exhibition
© Tate Photography

‘I am writing to say something about one of the pieces of art in your gallery, The Rice. Although it looks quite impressive, are you thinking about the meaning? There are people starving. I know it’s not your fault but wouldn’t it be possible to take some of the rice and do something about what it is expressing. Try sending some to the starving people.’

– Letter from a member of the public (aged 9) to Tate, November 1993