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There's always been controversy over modern art. Does a dead cow in formaldehyde really deserve a national art prize? Is it a case of the wackier the better?

Well local artist Karl Coates thinks it's all gone a bit too far.

This lunchtime he dressed up in a panda outfit in protest at the Turner Prize - the prestigious art award. This year it went to Mark Wallinger. He won twenty five thousand pounds for his exhibition, State Britain The exhibition was a replica of Brian Haw's one-man, long-running anti-war demonstration in London.

And what's that got to do with a panda?

Problem

This, says Karl, is the problem with modern art. "If one man can win twenty five thousand for dressing up as a bear anyone can."

Now let's be clear the Turner Prize wasn't actually awarded for the film Sleeper, a point some say has been lost on Karl Coates. But Karl says it's all about the bigger picture. "I've never really understood sharks in formaldehyde and unmade beds and I'm sure the majority of people have no idea either"

As the national press gathered outside, the giant panda looked at some art work, and discussed the use of colours with a couple of surprise visitors, then made his way back to the entrance area, where he was asked by the Director of mima, for a chat.

Outcome

Art gallery staff, and panda made their way upstairs, leaving the media waiting to hear the outcome.

Karl Coates arrived back, around quarter of an hour later, looking fairly happy and continued to peruse the gallery unhindered.

So what did the Director of MIMA, Godfrey Worsdale make of it all?

"It wasn't expected but it was a welcome surprise. In fairly large parts I support what he's doing because it's part of my job to enable artists to do things. My criticism of Karl is that what's really important is art and creativity - what's he done he's pinched another artists idea and used it to his own end. That's not as creative as it might be.

But as the Panda ambled around the institute mingling with art lovers. Godfrey had this to add. "Anything that does anything to create ideas and discussions around arts will make people think more about art and that can't be a bad thing"

And if you wonder why artist Karl Coates chose a panda outfit, apparently it was the only animal outfit in the costume shop that fitted him.