Jasleen Kaur Wins Turner Prize 2024 for Celebrating Scottish Sikh Identity

Chethma De Mel, Jadetimes Staff

C. J. De Mel is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News

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Image Source : David Parry

Artist Jasleen Kaur, 38, has won the prestigious Turner Prize with her Alter Altar exhibition, which creatively integrates a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells, and Irn-Bru in celebrating the Scottish Sikh community.

Kaur, who grew up in Glasgow, showcased her award-winning exhibition at the city's contemporary arts space Tramway. She was praised by judges for the "assured" way she blended the personal, political and spiritual, using playfulness and unexpected materials to give a voice to many. The actress James Norton awarded Kaur the £25,000 prize during a ceremony at Tate Britain.

The shortlist of nominees included Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas, but the approach of Kaur was amazingly considerate. Family photographs, an Axminster carpet, a vintage car with a large doily on it, and kinetic handbells interplay to explore cultural memory and heritage. By using sound and music to animate everyday items, it evokes a feeling of togetherness and joyful celebration with an amazing sensory experience.

Kaur reflected on her journey from modest cultural exposure to becoming a laureate of the Turner Prize. "I didn't grow up knowing the Turner Prize," she said. "This visibility means so much to so many people, especially within the Sikh community and others I grew up with."

Kaur's artistic roots trace back to her training in silversmithing and jewelry at the Glasgow School of Art, followed by studies at the Royal College of Art in London. Her previous works, including the short film Yoorop at the Victoria and Albert Museum, have challenged conventional perspectives, showing Europe through the lens of popular Indian cinema.

Established in 1984 and named after British painter JMW Turner, the Turner Prize is the UK's most prestigious contemporary art award and celebrates its 40th birthday this year. Previous winners include Anish Kapoor, Steve McQueen, and Grayson Perry. The show of this year's nominees runs at Tate Britain until February 16, 2025.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Turner Prize will be held in Bradford, which coincides with the city's status as the UK City of Culture.