Bringing light to Nordic gloom

Established in 1998 to support and reflect current trends in Nordic painting, the Carnegie Art Award has since been looking for a regular exhibition site in the UK.

Last year, it was tucked away in the Barbican's Curve Gallery, where it remained largely unnoticed. This year, the Victoria Miro's generous, airy space should provide a much better home for the 22 shortlisted artists, each of whom were nominated for the works in the show.

Representing the four Nordic countries, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and with a total award fund of £68,000, the Carnegie is a generous prize.

With no upper age limit, this year's top award of £33,000 goes to 65-year-old Swedish artist Jan Håfström, whose bold, comic-strip-inspired images depict a mysterious action hero alter-ego.

Contrary to its aims, and undoubtedly its strength, there seem to be no identifiable 'current trend' to speak of: second prizewinner, Finnish artist Carolus Enckell, who wins £19,000, paints flat, monochrome canvases, while third runner-up Johan Scott, also Finnish, pockets £13,000 for his beautifully layered canvases which move elusively between figuration and abstraction.

A scholarship award of £3,500 goes to young Swedish artist Jens Fänge, who paints pale, slightly comic and surreal images.

Adding further to this eclectic mix, there are even (unaccountably) two photographers in the shortlist.

So, if you've never really given much thought to Nordic art, and if you think it still begins and ends with Munch, this award will prove a welcome and timely remedy.

Until Jan 20, Victoria Miro Gallery, 16 Wharf Road N1, daily 10am to 6pm, free.
Tel: 020 7336 8109
www.carnegieartaward.com
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