Artwork commissioned in Blackburn Museum shortlisted for Turner prize

An artist whose work was featured in both Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery and was commissioned for Blackburn’s biannual ‘British Textile Biennial’ is one of four shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2024.

Jasleen Kaur’s work ‘The Tala Curry Measure’ was programmed during The National Festival of Making’ in 2019 as part of ‘Industrialised.’ It was curated by Alex Zawadzki to celebrate the rich ways which artists connect with manufacturing through their creative work.

The exhibition sparked a conversation that saw them invited by Alex to make new work for the British Textile Biennial, as part of a three man show with Masimba Hwati and Jamie Holman – a conversation about colonisation and its impact on the three artists family histories,

‘Sociomobile’ was devised to be shown in Blackburn’s original  ‘cotton trading floor ‘ the Exchange.’ Comprising of a vintage MKiii Ford Escort covered in a giant doily, the art work became instantly recognisable.

The Turner Prize nomination and Jasleen’s work (which addresses specifics of family memory and community struggle), is a proud moment for the borough and hugely significant due to the work being made in Blackburn and commissioned as part of the British Textile Biennial in 2021.

The artwork has seen contributions from Blackburn College mechanics students who helped the artist dismantle and rebuild the car inside the building, crochet artist who was commissioned to make the textile car cover to the artists design, and Uncultured Creatives who co-commissioned and produced the project after securing Arts Council England funding. A project written and prepared from Blackburn’s Lord St West, part of Northgate townscape heritage area and growing creative hub.

Blackburn based Artist Jamie Holman who is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Festival of Making said:

“I think that the holistic overview of the creative work in Blackburn, and the development of a cohesive and highly successful cultural strategy, leading to  meaningful partnerships with the museum, BTB, FoM, the council, and the smaller arts venues and organisations; has changed Blackburn from a place that is –  ‘the lowest engagement in art and culture in the country,’ – to a place where Turner Prize work originates.

This is incredible, and in no small way due to the relentless support and the bravery of the council to invest in, and support culture.

When this is combined with the expertise of the two festivals, and The Creative Alliance partners working together on commissioning new works and developing new talent that allows us to deliver works of international importance, it feels like Blackburn has transformed.”

Jasleen and the other three other artists shortlisted will have an exhibition of their work held at Tate Britain from 25 September 2024 to 16 February 2025. This marks the prize’s 40th anniversary and the winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Tate Britain on 3 December 2024.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

“We are incredibly proud to hear that work that took shape in our borough is to be recognised nationally. Many congratulations to Jasleen Kaur and good luck.

This is yet another spotlight on our town’s distinctive and diverse creative energy and making heritage, it also brings residents together, creating long-term cultural impact within our communities and further demonstrates Blackburn with Darwen as a culturally thriving town worthy of significant national recognition.”

It is an exciting time for Blackburn with Darwen with lots of incredible art to look forward to including national, international and high profile work.

This includes 10 Years of adidas SPZL Exhibition – in Darwen from May 17th-26^th, the Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery 150th year which will be marked in June and of course the annual Festival of Making which in 2024 takes place on the weekend of July 6^th and 7^th.

For the latest updates on all events visit the social media pages of:

• adidas SPZL Exhibition – @gary.aspden • Instagram
• National Festival of Making – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram