London: Glasgow-born artist of Indian heritage Jasleen Kaur, whose works are inspired by her life growing up in Scotland's Sikh community, has won Britain's prestigious Turner Prize 2024 for her weaving together of the "personal, political, and spiritual.” Kaur received the GBP 25,000 (approximately Rs 26.84 lakh) prize at a ceremony held at the Tate Britain in London on Tuesday night.
Kaur’s winning solo exhibition, 'Alter Altar', features sculptures crafted from repurposed objects and accompanied by immersive soundscapes, including her musical renditions. The Turner Prize jury commended her ability to transform everyday items into profound artistic statements that summon themes of community and cultural inheritance.
The Turner Prize committee emphasized that Kaur’s exhibition skillfully combines personal, political, and spiritual elements to create an experience that conveys both solidarity and joy. They highlighted her innovative approach to blending materials like Irn-Bru, family photographs, and a vintage Ford Escort with music and sound to explore cultural resilience and possibilities.
Kaur expressed gratitude for the support she received from her community and others who resonated with her work, stating that the recognition brought visibility to important stories and allowed her to represent diverse groups.
Curator Linsey Young described Kaur’s work as deeply rooted in anti-colonial and anti-imperialist themes, drawing from her family’s lived experiences. Young noted that pieces like the vintage Ford Escort, symbolizing her father’s aspirations as a migrant in Scotland, and the crocheted doily that draped it, reflected narratives of migration, labor, and resilience.
The jury also praised her integration of Sikh philosophy, particularly the concept of 'Miri Piri', which balances political and spiritual dimensions. Through her installations, Kaur explores new ways for humanity to coexist, drawing from her heritage and personal journey.
The Turner Prize, established in 1984, is renowned for recognizing groundbreaking work in contemporary British art. This year’s award, marking the 40th anniversary of the prize, returned to Tate Britain for the first time in six years. Alongside Kaur, the other shortlisted artists were Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas.
Kaur’s exhibition, along with those of the shortlisted artists, will remain on display at Tate Britain until mid-February 2025.
With PTI inputs