Cartoonist David Shrigley among 4 finalists in Britain’s contentious Turner Prize competition

LONDON – A cartoonist known for his witty black humour and an artist who orchestrates encounters between people are among contenders for Britain’s Turner Prize.

Four finalists for the influential and contentious art prize were announced Thursday. They include popular humorist David Shrigley, who was nominated for his exhibition of drawings, photography, sculpture and film, and Tino Sehgal, whose art consists purely of “live encounters” that engage visitors in conversation and other social situations.

The other nominees are Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, who paints portraits of imaginary people, and Laure Prouvost, a filmmaker whom organizers praised for her “surprising and unpredictable work.”

The 25,000-pound ($40,000) prize, awarded annually to a British artist under 50, often sparks lively debate about the value of modern art.

The winner will be announced in December.