Tate Britain revealed today the prestigious Turner Prize 2024 shortlist, featuring four standout artists: Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur, and Delaine Le Bas.
Their works will be showcased at Tate Britain from September 25, 2024, to February 16, 2025, marking a significant milestone-the 40th anniversary of the Turner Prize, and its homecoming to Tate Britain after a six-year hiatus. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony on December 3, 2024, held at Tate Britain.
Pio Abad earned his nomination for his solo exhibition “To Those Sitting in Darkness” at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. His pieces delve into cultural loss and colonial histories, drawing from his upbringing in the Philippines. Abad’s artwork skillfully juxtaposes and transforms museum artefacts, including drawings, etchings, and sculptures, shedding light on overlooked histories while connecting them with everyday household items.
Claudette Johnson her nomination stems from her solo exhibitions “Presence” at The Courtauld Gallery, London, and “Drawn Out” at Ortuzar Projects, New York. Johnson’s figurative portraits of Black women and men, rendered in pastels, gouache, and watercolour, challenge the marginalisation of Black individuals in Western art history. Her portrayal of family and friends exudes a tangible sense of presence, achieved through dramatic use of line, colour, space, and scale.
Jasleen Kaur her nomination recognises her solo exhibition “Alter Altar” at Tramway, Glasgow, where she explores cultural inheritance, solidarity, and autobiography. Through sculptures crafted from everyday objects and accompanied by immersive sound compositions, Kaur breathes life into her creations, evoking memories of her upbringing in Glasgow’s Sikh community.
Delaine Le Bas secured her nomination for her presentation “Incipit Vita Nova. Here Begins The New Life/A New Life Is Beginning” at Secession, Vienna. Le Bas transformed the gallery into an immersive performative environment adorned with painted fabrics, theatrical costumes, and sculptures. Drawing inspiration from the cultural history of the Roma people and personal experiences, her exhibition tackles themes of death, loss, and renewal with boldness and immediacy.
Alex Farquharson, Director of Tate Britain and the Turner Prize jury chair expressed excitement about the shortlist, praising the artists for their vibrant and captivating works. Established in 1984, the Turner Prize, named after the pioneering painter JMW Turner, aims to spark public discourse on contemporary British art. The winner will receive £25,000, and £10,000 will be awarded to the other shortlisted artists.
The Turner Prize 2024 jury comprises Rosie Cooper, Ekow Eshun, Sam Thorne, Lydia Yee, and Alex Farquharson. The John Browne Charitable Trust and The Uggla Family Foundation support the prize.
The Turner Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in contemporary art, has been a beacon of innovation and controversy since its inception in 1984. Named after the renowned British painter J.M.W. Turner, the prize was established to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent in the field of visual arts.
Throughout its history, the Turner Prize has often been associated with provocative and boundary-pushing works that challenge traditional notions of art. The prize has showcased diverse artistic expressions, from installations and sculptures to paintings and multimedia projects.
The first Turner Prize was awarded in 1984 to Malcolm Morley, an artist known for his photorealist paintings. Over the years, the prize has continued to evolve, reflecting the changing landscape of contemporary art in Britain and beyond.
Winners of the Turner Prize have included iconic figures such as Gilbert & George, Damien Hirst, and Antony Gormley, whose works have left an indelible mark on the art world. These artists have pushed the boundaries of creativity, exploring themes ranging from identity and politics to technology and globalisation.
In recent years, the Turner Prize has garnered attention for its focus on socially engaged art and issues of diversity and inclusion. Artists like Lubaina Himid, the first woman of colour to win the prize in 2017, have brought new perspectives and voices to the forefront of contemporary art.
As the Turner Prize continues to celebrate artistic innovation and experimentation, it remains a vital platform for emerging and established artists alike, shaping the discourse around art in the 21st century.
Photos © The Artists Courtesy Tate © 2024