Jasleen Kaur, a Scottish Sikh artist, won the prestigious Turner Prize on Tuesday for her work reflecting her cultural identity. The announcement was made during a ceremony at London’s Tate Britain gallery.
Kaur, 38, received the £25,000 prize for her innovative exhibition combining sculpture, print, and sound. Among her standout works is a vintage Ford Escort draped in a crocheted doily, symbolising her upbringing in Glasgow’s Sikh community and her father’s migration to the UK. Her art incorporates family photos, the Scottish soda Irn-Bru, and immersive music, blending personal, political, and spiritual themes.
The Turner Prize jury, led by Tate Britain director Alex Farquhar, praised Kaur’s “unexpected and playful combinations of material” that reflect her heritage and identity.
Other finalists, Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas, received £10,000 each. Works by all four are on display at Tate Britain until February 16.
Named after the 19th-century painter J.M.W. Turner, the Turner Prize has been a cornerstone of contemporary art since its establishment in 1984. While it has launched the careers of artists like Damien Hirst and Steve McQueen, it has also faced criticism for its conceptual approach, often sparking debates about the nature of modern art.
The prize has evolved over the years, with no upper age limit and occasional departures from tradition, such as the collective win in 2019. Next year, the award will move to Bradford, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Turner’s birth.