Glasgow-born artist Jasleen Kaur has won this year’s Turner Prize for her groundbreaking exhibition Alter Altar, which celebrates the Scottish Sikh community using an eclectic mix of objects, including a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells, and Irn-Bru.
The 38-year-old artist, who grew up in Glasgow and later studied at the Royal College of Art in London, was awarded the £25,000 prize at a ceremony held at Tate Britain. Actor James Norton presented the prestigious award.
Kaur’s work stood out for its ability to weave “the personal, political, and spiritual,” as noted by the judges. Her exhibition at Glasgow’s Tramway arts venue was praised for its “unexpected and playful combinations of material” that brought together diverse voices.
Reflecting on her win, Kaur admitted she wasn’t aware of the Turner Prize during her youth due to limited cultural exposure. “I have had so many messages today from people from the local Sikh community and from folk that I grew up with,” she said. “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,” she added.
The Alter Altar exhibition is an immersive experience combining everyday objects like family photos, an Axminster carpet, and kinetic handbells. A vintage car draped in a giant doily adds a whimsical yet poignant layer to the display.
The Turner Prize organisers highlighted how Kaur’s work delves into cultural memory, exploring how rituals and objects reflect shared histories. The judges described Alter Altar as a “visual and aural experience that suggests both solidarity and joy.”
Kaur’s artistic journey began with a degree in silversmithing and jewellery at the Glasgow School of Art in 2008, followed by further studies in London. Her works have previously been displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Her short film Yoorop, which uses footage from popular Indian cinema to present an alternative cultural perspective on Europe, has also earned critical acclaim.
Established in 1984 and named after the iconic painter JMW Turner, the Turner Prize remains one of the most prestigious awards in British art. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the prize aims to spark public conversations around contemporary art.
Notable past winners include Steve McQueen, Anish Kapoor, and Grayson Perry. The exhibition of the four shortlisted works is on display at Tate Britain until 16 February 2025.
Next year, the prize will travel to Bradford, marking the 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
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