Turbans

Turbans is a wall-mounted work that combines soft sculptural heads made of fleece with welded copper to represent Sikh turbans. This is part of a series of works which explore the Five Ks in Sikhism, five physical symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa. Each head is adorned with a pair of copper strands that may represent the unshorn beard of a Sikh man, or the beak of a strange bird. Kaur herself has referred to these works as taking human-animal form. The copper turban on each head may also appear like a helmet to be worn in battle; they offer safety, protection and defence. Subtle changes across each figure completely change the signifier – oscillating between bird and human form – underlining Kaur’s desire for meaning to remain unfixed.

The use of contrasting materials like fleece and copper in Turbans evidence Kaur’s highly skilled approach to her work. Copper and textiles require entirely different and specialised methods of preparation and construction. Kaur highlights her deep attachment and commitment to materials in her works: ‘My use of textiles imbues minimal objects with intimacy. I am as interested in welding as I am in sewing.’ Kaur’s use of brightly coloured textiles and repetition is reminiscent of minimalist sculpture. The fleece material is also suggestive of soft children’s toys, which is starkly contrasted with the welded metal. These sculptures may allude to innocence and childhood, but have an underlying feeling of unease, or even threat. This is linked to the core of Kaur’s practice which explores the home as both safe and dangerous.