Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur clinched the 2024 Turner Prize on Tuesday, marking the 40th anniversary of the UK’s renowned contemporary art award.
Kaur received the honour for her solo exhibition “Alter Altar,” featuring a Ford Escort car adorned with a giant doily. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Tate Britain in central London.
At 38, Kaur surpassed other finalists, including Philippines-born Pio Abad, Manchester-born Claudette Johnson, and English artist Delaine Le Bas, securing a prize of 25,000 pounds ($32,000). The other shortlisted artists each received 10,000 pounds.
The five-member jury selected Kaur for “her ability to gather different voices through unexpected and playful material combinations.”
In her acceptance speech, she advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza and supported Palestine. Established in 1984, the Turner Prize is awarded annually to a British artist for an exceptional exhibition or presentation. It has spotlighted artists who are now well-known, such as Gilbert & George, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, Antony Gormley, Chris Ofili, Steve McQueen, and Damien Hirst.
Last year, British artist Jesse Darling won for sculptures and installations that address societal breakdown. The prize aims to spark discussion about contemporary art’s new developments. It is open to visual artists based or born in Britain.
However, the prize has occasionally stirred controversy. Chris Ofili won in 1998 for using elephant dung in his paintings, and Damien Hirst’s 1995 exhibit included a decaying cow’s head. Tracey Emin’s 1999 submission, “My Bed,” featuring an unmade bed and various personal items, also drew significant public and critical attention.
