Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has won the coveted Turner Prize 2024 for her solo exhibition Alter Altar, which includes a striking installation of a car adorned with a giant doily. The announcement was made by Happy Valley actor James Norton in a ceremony at Tate Britain on Tuesday evening, drawing attention to a unique artistic vision that blends materials and themes with unexpected and playful combinations.
The five-member jury praised Kaur for her innovative use of diverse media, including Irn-Bru, family photographs, and the vintage Ford Escort, noting how she locates “moments of resilience and possibility” through her work. Her exhibition, which was showcased at Tramway in Glasgow last year, explores themes of religious identities, politics, and history, incorporating a medley of sounds ranging from Sufi Islamic devotional music to pop tracks and worship bells.
Born in Glasgow and now based in London, Kaur used her acceptance speech to speak out on behalf of the Palestinian people. Addressing the ongoing protests outside Tate Britain, Kaur echoed calls for the gallery to sever ties with organisations that, according to recent reports, are complicit in human rights abuses in Palestine. She expressed solidarity with the protesters, declaring, “This is not a radical demand… This should not risk an artist’s career or safety.”
Drawing a parallel between the Tate’s association with controversial organisations and the historical campaign against the Sackler family – whose connections to the opioid crisis led to significant public backlash – Kaur argued that art institutions must take a stand for ethical practices, both within the gallery and in society at large.
Kaur’s speech also drew attention to the role of artists in advocating for social change, saying, “I’ve been wondering why artists are required to dream up liberation in the gallery, but when that dream meets life, we are shut down.” She called for a dissolution of the divide between political expression in the gallery and the broader political landscape, urging institutions like Tate to listen to the voices of artists, both inside and outside the gallery walls.
The artist ended her speech with a powerful call for action: “Free Palestine,” before apologising to viewers after using a swear word during her passionate address, as reported by BBC’s Katie Razzall.
Kaur’s victory comes as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Turner Prize, which was first established in 1984 to recognise outstanding achievements in contemporary British art. The prestigious award comes with a £25,000 cash prize, and past winners include renowned figures such as sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor (1991), artist Damien Hirst (1995), and filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen (1999).
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This year, the Turner Prize ceremony and exhibition were held at Tate Britain, where the four shortlisted artists – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Delaine Le Bas, and Kaur – showcased their work. Kaur’s exhibition stood out for its integration of sound, visuals, and materials to create an immersive experience exploring religious and political narratives. The exhibition is now on display at Tate Britain, where it will remain until February 16, 2025.
Next year, the Turner Prize will move to Cartwright Hall art gallery in Bradford, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the birth of JMW Turner, the British painter after whom the prize is named.
Kaur’s recognition by the Turner Prize jury highlights her growing influence in the contemporary art scene. With her multifaceted work and bold social commentary, she has cemented her position as a leading figure in the art world, offering both a reflection and a challenge to the current political and social climate.
