Student's video up for big prize

Connie Middleman's work will be considered in a public vote

A first-year art student from Conwy is in the running for the Alternative Turner Prize.

Connie Middleman, from Abergele, who submitted a three-minute video called The Clown, is one of 10 artists on the shortlist.

Her tutor Robin Williams described her work as "dynamic and well-considered".

The competition is the equivalent of the Turner Prize for students under the age of 25, and the overall winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges.

"The video is based on Turner Prize finalist Zarina Bhimji's work, which I saw at the Tate," said Ms Middleman.

"I dressed as a clown and the film shows me slowly removing the make-up to reveal the real me.

"It is silent as I wanted to convey the emotions using facial expressions rather than sound."

Ms Middleton said she was overwhelmed when she learnt her work had been chosen because she is only in the first year of her diploma foundation studies in art and design at Coleg Llandrillo, Rhos-on-Sea.

"Most of my favourite artists have exhibited at the Tate, so it is an honour to have a piece of work in the Tate Gallery," she added.

Ten entries will be shortlisted and displayed and then a public vote from 28 January to 4 February will decide on four finalists to be judged by a panel of experts.

Her tutor described it as a "significant achievement," and her work will be displayed at the Tate Liverpool International gallery and on the Young Tate website.

A spokesperson for the Tate Gallery said: "The brief was to create a piece of artwork in any medium inspired by stories suggested by the artwork of one of the four nominated artists for this year's Turner Prize."