The four artists shortlisted for this year’s Turner Prize are a profoundly political bunch. From a bear costumed-commentary on the Cold War to an imaginary gang of Gulf War veteran bikers, their offerings are a far cry from the stark simplicity of a pickled shark.

Pickled cows, elephant dung paintings and a transvestite potter: The Turner Prize deserves its reputation as one of art's most controversial awards. Now art lovers can decide for themselves if the prize rewards pretentious twaddle or cutting edge British art.

Fancy yourself as a bit of an art buff? Do you know your painters from your transvestite potters? How do you spot a Stuckist? Find out just how well you know your art from your elbow by taking our Turner Prize quiz.

A miniature house, of maze of tiny cubes and a man wandering around in a bear suit: yes, it's Turner Prize time again. Which artist - if any - gets your vote?

Turner Prize, annual prize awarded by the Tate Gallery in London for achievement in the visual arts in Britain. The Turner Prize was established in 1984, with the support of an anonymous patron, as an award for the person who “has made the greatest contribution to art in Britain in the previous twelve months."

In this exclusive video interview, Hazel Blears tells MSN how Twitter, Facebook and instant messaging could revolutionise British politics.