Celebrating a vibrant fusion of personal narrative and cultural heritage, Glasgow-born artist Jasleen Kaur has been awarded the prestigious Turner Prize 2024. The honor, accompanied by a £25,000 prize, recognizes Kaur’s innovative approach in her solo exhibition ‘Alter Altar’ at Tate Britain.
Kaur, whose Indian heritage deeply influences her work, draws inspiration from her upbringing within Scotland’s Sikh community. Her exhibition features a compelling array of sculptures crafted from repurposed objects, each brought to life through immersive soundscapes and original musical compositions. Highlights include a vintage Ford Escort draped in an oversized doily, family photographs, an Axminster carpet, and kinetic hand bells, all orchestrated to reflect her journey and community ties.
The Turner Prize jury lauded Kaur for her ability to intertwine the personal, political, and spiritual dimensions of her life, creating a multi-sensory experience that evokes both solidarity and joy. “Jasleen Kaur’s work summons community and cultural inheritance through everyday objects animated by sound and music,” the jury stated. They particularly praised her inventive use of materials, blending elements like Irn-Bru and domestic textiles to reveal moments of resilience and possibility.
In her acceptance speech, Kaur expressed gratitude to her community: “I have had so many messages today from people from the local Sikh community and from folks that I grew up with. Something like this that is so visible means a lot to a lot of different people. It means something to different groups and I’m up for representing all of them.”
Kaur, now in her thirties, initially trained in jewelry making before shifting her focus to applied art. This transition allowed her to explore the stories that objects can tell when combined thoughtfully. Her exhibition, which remains on display at Tate Britain until February 2025, also features an accompanying film where she delves into the Sikh philosophy of Miri Piri—balancing the political and the spiritual—and explores communal coexistence through her art.
Linsey Young, co-curator at Tate Britain, highlighted the exhibition’s thematic depth: “Her installations engage with anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist dialogues, juxtaposing these with her personal and familial experiences. The crocheted doily on the Ford Escort, for example, connects to the broader history of Indian migration and labor in post-war Britain.”
‘Alter Altar’ not only captivates with its visual and auditory elements but also invites visitors to engage actively. The harmonium and kinetic worship bells on display create an inviting atmosphere, while the musical piece ‘Yearnings 2023’ blends Kaur’s vocals with snippets of pop music, evoking a tapestry of memories and cultural intersections.
The Turner Prize, now in its 40th year, aims to foster public discourse on contemporary British art. This year marks a significant return to Tate Britain after a six-year hiatus. Alongside Kaur, the shortlist featured Pio Abad of Filipino descent, Claudette Johnson—founding member of the Black British Arts Movement—and Delaine Le Bas of Romani heritage, each receiving £10,000 for their outstanding contributions.
Jasleen Kaur joins illustrious past winners such as Anish Kapoor, further cementing her place in the British art scene. As she takes home the Turner Prize, Kaur continues to weave her rich cultural tapestry, offering audiences a profound glimpse into the intersections of memory, community, and identity.
