Sikh-Scottish Artist Wins Turner Prize, Supports Palestinian Protest

On 3 Dec, Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur, 38, won the Turner Prize, the prestigious British art award founded in 1984, known for spotlighting contemporary artists. The announcement at Tate Britain in London was preceded by a pro-Palestinian protest, involving about 100 activists, demanding the Tate group of museums end associations with Israel, including ties with donors Anita and Poju Zabludowicz. Upon her arrival at the awards, Kaur, who grew up in a Sikh community in Glasgow, supported the protests and held up a scarf in Palestinian colors with the word ‘divest’ written on it. During her acceptance speech, Kaur affirmed her solidarity with Palestinian people, and urged an end to institutional complicity with Israel; she also called for an arms embargo. Kaur, along with fellow nominees Claudette Johnson and Pio Abad, had signed an open letter urging arts organizations to cut ties with Israel. Kaur was awarded for her installation Alter Altar at the Tramway arts venue in Glasgow, which features items related to her upbringing, including a car covered by a giant doily, music playing from a car stereo, and a mechanically operated harmonium. Her work explores personal, political, and spiritual issues with a blend of irreverence and reverence. The Turner Prize jury praised her ability to create environments from everyday items that speak to larger themes. The other nominees included Claudette Johnson, known for her portraits of Black individuals; Pio Abad, a Filipino artist whose work includes sculptures of jewelry once owned by Imelda Marcos; and Delaine Le Bas, an artist of Romany heritage. Kaur will receive GBP 25K in prize money. Her work is on display at Tate Britain until 16 Feb 2025.