Scottish artist advocates for Palestine in speech

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has won the 2024 Turner Prize for her solo exhibition Alter Altar, which features innovative installations, including a vintage car adorned with a massive doily.

The prize was announced at Tate Britain on Tuesday evening by actor James Norton.

The jury praised Kaur for her creative fusion of materials like Irn-Bru, family photos, and a Ford Escort, emphasizing resilience and possibility in her work.

Born in Glasgow and based in London, the 38-year-old used her acceptance speech to highlight the plight of Palestinians.

Kaur called for solidarity with protesters demanding the Tate sever ties with groups accused of being complicit in alleged genocide.

"This is not a radical demand," she stated, referencing past actions by artists against unethical associations like the Sackler family. She expressed a desire to bridge the gap between political expression in art and activism in real life.

The speech concluded with her call for a ceasefire and the phrase: “Free Palestine”

Her exhibit, previously shown at Glasgow’s Tramway, explores intersections of religion, history, and politics through soundscapes featuring devotional music, bells, and pop tracks.

The Turner Prize, celebrating its 40th year, awards £25,000 to the winner and has honored notable artists like Anish Kapoor and Steve McQueen. Next year’s prize will be hosted in Bradford, commemorating JMW Turner’s 250th birth anniversary.

An exhibition of this year’s finalists runs at Tate Britain until February 16, 2025.