Why Jesse Darling’s Artworks Were Picked Over Others for the 2023 Turner Prize

The reigning champion for the prestigious 2023 Turner Prize is Jesse Darling. He was nominated for his exhibitions “No Medals, No Ribbons” in Oxford and “Enclosures” at the Camden Art Centre in London.

The jury who presided over the art awards was impressed by Darling’s use of everyday materials for his exhibitions. It explained that the works “unsettled perceived notions about labour, class, Britishness and power”.

The Berlin-based artist’s recent works border around installation, drawing and sculpture. A commendation from the jury praised his “use of materials and commonplace objects like concrete, welded barriers, hazard tape, office files, and net curtains, to convey a familiar yet delirious world invoking societal breakdown”.

For his winner’s prize, Darling received £25,000 which was presented by rapper Tinie Tempah at Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens on England’s south coast on Tuesday, December 5.

Jesse Darling’ artworks were nominated alongside the works of Ghislaine Leung, Rory Pilgrim and Barbara Walker who walked away with £10,000 each.

The Turner Prize was established in 1984 and it was named after a British painter, JMW Turner. It is awarded each year to a British artist who has engaged in exceptional exhibitions or presentations of works. The 2022 Turner Prize was received by 67-year-old Veronica Ryan.