Nnena Kalu Wins the Prestigious 2025 Turner Prize
The 2025 Turner Prize has been awarded to British-nigerian artist Nnena Kalu,celebrated for her compelling sculptures and drawings. Kalu received £10,000 alongside the other shortlisted artists.This recognition solidifies her position as a significant voice in contemporary art.
A Look at the 2025 Shortlist
This year’s prize showcased a diverse range of artistic practices and perspectives. Let’s explore the work of each shortlisted artist:
* Mohammed Sami: He was a strong contender, having garnered attention for his exhibition After the Storm: Mohammed Sami at Blenheim Palace. His 14 paintings thoughtfully respond to Churchill’s birthplace, subtly referencing conflict in Iraq.
* Xa: this Korean-Canadian artist explores a captivating mystical trend in contemporary art.Her work merges landscapes and seascapes into hallucinatory compositions, deeply rooted in Korean shamanic traditions.
* Matić: As the sole photographer shortlisted, matić brought a unique outlook to the competition. Their photographs document political demonstrations and queer subculture, informed by their experience as a queer, mixed-race individual growing up in Peterborough.
Kalu’s Winning Work: Rhythmic Lines and Sculptural Forms
Nnena Kalu’s work stands out for it’s dynamic energy and exploration of form. Alongside her sculptures, she creates large-scale drawings characterized by rhythmic lines. These drawings echo the patterns and textures found in her three-dimensional pieces, creating a cohesive and immersive artistic experience.
In a powerful accompanying video, Matić articulates the internal experience of navigating Blackness and whiteness as existing in a state of tension within their own body. This introspective approach adds another layer of depth to their already compelling photographic work.
The Jury and the Legacy of the Prize
The 2025 Turner Prize jury comprised esteemed figures in the art world. These included autonomous curator Andrew Bonacina, Liverpool Biennial director Sam lackey, National Gallery curator Priyesh Mistry, and Fitzwilliam Museum senior curator Habda Rashid, led by Alex Farquharson.
Kalu now joins a distinguished lineage of past winners. This includes renowned artists like Sir Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst, Sir Steve McQueen, and Jasleen Kaur, whose innovative work earned her the prize in 2024.
Experience the Shortlisted Works
You can view a group exhibition featuring the work of all four shortlisted artists at Cartwright Hall Art gallery in Bradford. The exhibition is running until February 22, 2026, offering a valuable opportunity to engage with some of the most exciting contemporary art being created today.
The Turner Prize continues to be a vital platform for emerging and established artists. It champions innovation, encourages dialog, and celebrates the power of art to reflect and shape our world.