Ceramicist wins Turner Prize

A cross-dressing ceramic artist whose vases are drawn with images of sex acts, child abuse and death has been named winner of the Turner Prize for contemporary British art.

Grayson Perry, 43, collected the $34,000 prize Sunday at a ceremony at the Tate Britain art gallery in London, dressed as his alter ego, Claire, a character that appears in some of his works. He joked about his frock, then thanked his wife, Philippa, for her advice and support.

Launched in 1983 to promote public discussion of modern British art, the Turner Prize rewards an artist younger than 50 for an outstanding exhibition of work over a recent 12-month period. To be eligible, the artist must either be working in Britain or be British-born.

Perry is best known for his classically shaped vases, which he intricately paints with figures, patterns and text.

Subjects include autobiographical images of himself and as Claire and of his family as well as his examinations of cultural stereotypes.