Jesse Darling, an innovative artist based in Berlin, has recently been awarded the Turner Prize, one of the United Kingdom's most esteemed art awards. Darling, who is celebrated for their unique sculptural works, will receive a substantial prize of £25,000, which is approximately $31,500 in U.S. currency.
2023 marks a significant milestone for the Turner Prize as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The prize has a rich history of recognizing and celebrating groundbreaking artists, with past winners including notable figures like Anish Kapoor, Wolfgang Tillmans, Rachel Whiteread, Lubaina Himid, among others, who have each made significant contributions to the art world.
Darling's artistic creations are distinct for their use of ordinary items, skillfully arranged to depict human figures that often have elongated limbs and bent forms. This style is indicative of Darling's focus on the instability and fragility of the human body. They have expressed a desire for their sculptures to exhibit a sense of evolution or potential collapse over time, symbolizing the transient nature of existence.
One key aspect of Darling's work is the incorporation of materials typically found in everyday life, such as medical apparatus and discarded objects. These materials are not just artistic choices but also convey deeper meanings related to self-sufficiency and interdependence among people. This thematic exploration was prominently featured in Darling's solo show at Modern Art Oxford in 2022, which played a pivotal role in securing their nomination for the Turner Prize.
The jury's announcement for the Turner Prize highlighted Darling's ingenious use of common materials and objects. Items like concrete, welded barriers, hazard tape, office files, and net curtains are transformed in Darling's hands, creating a world that is simultaneously familiar and dreamlike. Through these mediums, Darling addresses and challenges societal constructs related to labor, class, notions of British identity, and power structures.
The 2023 Turner Prize also had other noteworthy nominees, including Ghislaine Leung, Rory Pilgrim, and Barbara Walker, each bringing their unique perspectives and artistic approaches to the forefront of contemporary art.
Selena Mattei