ART
Jasleen Kaur receives the Turner Prize 2024 at Tate Britain. © Tate Photography, Josh Croll
Jasleen Kaur wins the Turner Prize 2024, celebrating her artistic exploration of cultural memory, political themes, and spiritual practices through a multi-sensory exhibition.
BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON
LONDON-Glasgow-born artist Jasleen Kaur is the winner of the Turner Prize 2024, marking a defining moment in the world of contemporary British art. The award was presented during a live ceremony at Tate Britain, hosted by famous British actor James Norton. The announcement coincided with the 40th anniversary of the prestigious Turner Prize. This achievement highlights the award’s continued importance in recognizing exceptional artistic talent in the UK.
Jasleen Kaur won the £25,000 Turner Prize for her powerful and thought-provoking solo exhibition, Alter Altar, at Tramway in Glasgow in 2023. Kaur’s innovative use of sculpture, installation, and sound art explored deep themes of cultural memory and identity. More importantly, it reflects the impact of tradition. The exhibition emphasized how everyday objects can serve as vessels for personal, political, and spiritual narratives.
The Turner Prize jury praised Kaur’s ability to integrate diverse materials—ranging from Irn-Bru, family photographs, to a vintage Ford Escort—into a cohesive and immersive visual and aural experience. By combining these elements, Kaur conveyed themes of community, cultural inheritance, and resilience. The exhibition included soundscapes featuring Sufi Islamic devotional music, worship bells, and Indian harmoniums. Together, they offered a unique sensory experience that highlighted the richness of cultural pluralism.
Jasleen Kaur’s Visionary Exhibition: Alter Altar
Jasleen Kaur was not the only exceptional artist in the spotlight this year. The Turner Prize 2024 also recognized three other outstanding British artists: Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas. These artists made the shortlist for their remarkable contributions to contemporary art. Their works showcase a wide range of artistic practices, from portraiture and museum installations to sound-based art.
The Turner Prize jury, responsible for selecting Kaur as the winner, included notable figures such as Rosie Cooper, director of Wysing Arts Centre, and Ekow Eshun, writer, broadcaster, and curator. Others are Sam Thorne, director general and CEO of Japan House London, and Lydia Yee, curator and art historian. Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, chaired the jury.
The Turner Prize 2024 exhibition at Tate Britain showcases the work of the four shortlisted artists is currently on display at Tate Britain. It runs until February 16, 2025. The exhibition allows visitors to explore the diversity of contemporary British art through the unique perspectives of these groundbreaking artists. Curated by Linsey Young and Amy Emmerson Martin, the exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the evolving landscape of British visual art.
About Jasleen Kaur: A Rising Star in British Art
Jasleen Kaur, born in Glasgow in 1986, has rapidly established herself as one of the leading figures in contemporary British art. Kaur studied silversmithing and jewelry at the Glasgow School of Art. She later pursued further studies in goldsmithing and metalwork at the Royal College of Art in London. Kaur’s artistic practice dwells on her exploration of cultural memory. In particular, it focuses on the legacy of imperialism and its impact on everyday life.
Her work invites viewers to reflect on the often-overlooked narratives that shape our understanding of identity and culture. Through the use of domestic objects and materials, Kaur crafts spaces for collective reflection on themes of resilience, community, and spirituality.
Jasleen Kaur: A Powerful Voice for Change
As Jasleen Kaur accepted the Turner Prize 2024, she made a strong statement, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The artist, who has consistently used her art to explore the intersections of identity, politics, and spirituality, wore the colors of the Palestinian flag during the award ceremony. She echoed the protests outside Tate Britain. Kaur’s activism and commitment to social justice have added an extra layer of significance to her artistic achievements.
A key feature of Alter Altar, Jasleen Turner Prize-winning exhibition, is a vintage red Ford Escort covered in a giant doily. This sculpture, which reflects Kaur’s personal connection to her father’s migrant experience, merges symbolism with intimate family history. It stands as a testament to the intersection of personal memory and larger political contexts in Kaur’s work.
The exhibition also featured family photographs embedded in Irn-Bru-orange resin alongside torn-up rotis. These items point to Kaur’s Sikh heritage and the food rituals of her upbringing. The work reflected Kaur’s exploration of cultural symbols and how they shape our collective memory.
The Turner Prize 2024: A Tribute to Diversity and Innovation
The Turner Prize 2024 not only celebrates Jasleen Kaur’s groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art but also highlights the diversity and richness of contemporary British art as a whole. The works of the shortlisted artists include Kaur, Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas. They reflect a wide range of perspectives and styles, making this year’s prize particularly significant.
The Turner Prize continues to evolve, engaging with pressing social and political issues. Additionally, it continues to foster innovation and creativity in the UK’s artistic landscape. As the prize grows, it remains an essential platform for artists to showcase their work. More importantly, it continues to be an opportunity for them to make meaningful contributions to the global art conversation.
Celebrating Excellence in Contemporary British Art
Founded in 1984, the Turner Prize is one of the most prestigious accolades in the world of contemporary art. The annual award is given to a British artist who has made a significant contribution to the development of contemporary visual art through an exhibition or presentation. The prize fosters public engagement with the latest developments in the UK’s art scene. Above all, it stimulates discourse about the role of art in society.
For the Turner Prize 2024, the John Browne Charitable Trust and the Uggla Family Foundation provided generous support, ensuring the continued success of the award. Past winners of the Turner Prize include Anish Kapoor, Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, and Steven McQueen. Sculptor Jesse Darling, winner of last year’s prize, showed support for the Palestinian course by waving a Palestinian flag.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Turner Prize
In 2025, the Turner Prize will take place at Cartwright Hall in Bradford. This will mark a new chapter in the award’s history as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations. This move promises to further broaden the prize’s reach and impact, bringing contemporary art to an even wider audience across the UK.
In conclusion, Jasleen Kaur wins the Turner Prize 2024 not only for her exceptional talent and creativity but also for her ability to use art as a tool for reflection, resistance, and change. Her win underscores the ongoing relevance of the Turner Prize in celebrating the best of contemporary British art.
