ACCORDING to the experts, an abstract painting entitled Super Star F----r was the best painting entered for this year's John Moores Exhibition.

According to the public, it did not even merit an entry into the top three.

Gallery visitors at the biennial show staged at Liverpool's Walker were asked for their favourite picture in the show.

And they voted for Sean Dawson's painting Untitled.

The circular oil painting - known as a tondo - was their favourite.

Inspired by Grimms' fairy tales and Alice in Wonderland, Dawson used photo images as well as free-form drawing in his popular work.

Second in the poll was Michael Ward's Pandemonium, a brightly coloured abstract work - most of the winners were abstract - which reflected its title.

And Liverpool-based artist Lisa Milroy came third with a humorous painting Gambling Geishas, showing her sense of fun.

The prize-winner, Super Star F----r, came in at number four in the visitors' poll. Two others among the top ten prizewinners made the visitors' Top Ten, Hoary Footman by Alan Gouk and Sepal by Liverpool-born Paul Morrison.

Two prizewinners, The Ambassadors by BANK and Bloomsbury Square WC1 1989 by Martin Maloney failed to make the visitors' Top Ten.

But there were those who suggested that the selection offered very little to enjoy anyway.

The judges this year decided they were going to select mostly abstract art.

The experts' choice, Peter Davies, will be giving a talk about his painting at 1pm at the Walker tomorrow. Admission is free.

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philipkey@dailypost.co.uk