Belongings wrecker wins art prize

Landy's 1997 work focused on the aftermath of Christmas

An artist who destroyed his belongings in the window of a London department store is one of the recipients of the UK's biggest national arts award.

Michael Landy is among five winners who have each picked up £30,000 from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Breakdown, Landy's work in C&A's store in Oxford Street, London, saw him destroy possessions, including a car.

Last year he installed a life-size replica of his parents' semi-detached home in the Tate Britain gallery.

Weed etchings

In 1997, Landy opted to concentrate on the aftermath of the festive season when he devised the Tate Gallery's Christmas tree.

His tree was placed in a large bin filled with empty bottles, used wrapping paper and broken decorations.

Landy moved away from installations for his most recent work, creating a series of etchings of weeds.

The Hamlyn Foundation Visual Arts Award provides financial assistance for artists to develop their careers.

The other winners were the late video artist Ian Breakwell; film-maker Clio Barnard; installation artist Jacqueline Donachie, and the collaborative Factotum.