- Diverse themes and social commentary
- Exhibited at Towner Eastbourne
- Winner announced on December 5
The artworks on this year’s Turner Prize shortlist tackle various themes, including the Windrush scandal, communal care, the value of labor, nationalism, and borders.
First introduced in 1984 and named after the English painter J.M.W. Turner, the Turner Prize is a renowned art competition that has brought us iconic works such as Tracey Emin’s bed, Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde cow and calf, and Anthea Hamilton’s giant sculpture of a bum.
The Towner Gallery in Eastbourne is exhibiting British Art Prize finalists Barbara Walker, Jesse Darling, Ghislaine Leung, and Rory Pilgrim.
Over nearly four decades, the Turner Prize has solidified its status as one of Britain’s most prestigious art competitions. Despite being conceptual and abstract, the artists seem to address current social and political themes.
Barbara Walker’s “Burden of Proof” features large monochrome portraits of individuals affected by the Windrush controversy, in which thousands of British citizens, primarily from the Caribbean, faced detention, deportation, or threats of deportation despite their legal right to reside in the UK.
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Ghislaine Leung, using a baby monitor broadcasting from the gallery store, a water fountain, industrial ventilation pipes from a Dutch bar, and a row of miniature vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and toy houses, examines the value of labor and the challenges of being a mother while pursuing a career as an artist.
Rory Pilgrim, through a video composed of seven songs narrated by residents of Barking and Dagenham in collaboration with Green Shoes Arts, explores the concept of collective care within the community, creating a metaphorical “raft.”
Jesse Darling explores nationalism, borders, and limits with lace, twisted pedestrian fence, and barbed wire-topped concrete bollards. The artist, technicians, and gallery staff dance around a hazard tape maypole in the centre of the room.
Noelle Collins, the curator of the 2023 Turner Prize, mentioned at the exhibition that the shortlisted artists address both their industry and broader social issues. She noted, “They respond to the political climate, the environment, or the topics that are part of our daily conversations and news.”
The Towner Gallery director, Joe Hill, thinks the shortlist of artists calls for reform and underlines social inequality. He said, “All four of them illustrate some of the structural inequalities that we all face in society. They work collaboratively with various groups to unearth stories that are often hidden.”
As for the local community’s perspective:
Michelle, 55, expressed, “It’s a great thing for the community and for Eastbourne in general—it puts us on the map.
Peter Hammer, 75, noted, “It’s clearly not a top priority for the people in town… I believe there are many ways to allocate the money that would benefit the general public.”
Roger Taylor, 67, commented, “It’s not typical of Eastbourne, but I’m sure it will spark debate and make people think, just as the Turner Prize does every year.”
The recipient of the 2023 Turner Prize will be announced on December 5, with each runner-up receiving £10,000.
For now, the art competition has found an unlikely home in Eastbourne, bringing politics to the promenade. The Turner Prize will be held at Towner Eastbourne from September 28, 2023, to April 14, 2024.
