First, there was the duct-taped banana that sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s. Now, a car draped in a giant doily has won the Turner Prize 2024—a striking victory for meme culture in the art world, both financially and critically.
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The creator of the prize-winning “Car with Giant Doily” is Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur, whose recent works reflect her upbringing in a Sikh community in Scotland. Her exhibition Alter Altar weaves together personal, political, and spiritual themes, combining materials like Irn-Bru, family photographs, and a vintage Ford Escort to evoke resilience and possibility. The jury commended Kaur’s ability to choreograph a visual and aural experience filled with solidarity and joy, as well as her playful use of unexpected materials.
The award ceremony at Tate Britain was preceded by a small but vocal pro-Palestinian protest. About 100 activists gathered on the museum’s steps, calling on the Tate group to sever ties with Israel, including with prominent donors Anita and Poju Zabludowicz. A protest letter published online accused the Zabludowiczes of having “well-documented economic and ideological links” to the Israeli government through their Tamares Group real estate investments.
Accepting the award, Kaur, draped in a scarf bearing Palestinian colors, expressed solidarity with the protesters. She urged the Tate to end its ties with Israel, stating, “This is not a radical demand — this should not risk an artist’s career or safety,” before concluding with a powerful call of “Free Palestine,” met with cheers.
The Turner Prize 2024 jury included Rosie Cooper, Director of Wysing Arts Centre; Ekow Eshun, writer, broadcaster, and curator; Sam Thorne, Director General and CEO of Japan House London; and Lydia Yee, curator and art historian. The jury was chaired by Alex Farquharson, Director of Tate Britain.
An exhibition showcasing the work of the four shortlisted artists runs at Tate Britain until 16 February 2025. The exhibition is curated by Linsey Young, former Curator of Contemporary British Art; Amy Emmerson Martin, Assistant Curator; Sade Sarumi, Curatorial Assistant; and Laura Laing, Exhibition Assistant.
Turner Prize 2024 is supported by The John Browne Charitable Trust and The Uggla Family Foundation. Next year, the prize will be held at Cartwright Hall in Bradford as part of the 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.
Art critics have also highlighted the significance of meme culture in this year’s prize. Alastair Sooke of The Daily Telegraph described Kaur’s work as bringing “a little energy and effervescence” to an otherwise conventional lineup, while Adrian Searle of The Guardian called the doily-covered car the “laugh-out-loud totemic image of this year’s Turner Prize” and praised the installation for its “texture, humor, and complexity.”
