Scottish artist Nnena Kalu, who is autistic, wins the 2025 Turner Prize for her wrapped fabric sculptures, hailed as a seismic moment for diversity.
LONDON: Scottish artist Nnena Kalu has won the prestigious Turner Prize for contemporary art.
The 59-year-old autistic artist from Glasgow was awarded the prize for her hanging sculptures made from wrapped fabric, rope and tape.
Her helper, Charlotte Hollinshead, hailed the win as a victory over prejudice.
“Nnena has faced an incredible amount of discrimination, which continues to this day, so hopefully this award smashes that prejudice away,” Hollinshead said.
“It’s seismic. It’s broken a very stubborn glass ceiling.”
The jury described Kalu’s art as “bold and compelling” with a “powerful presence”.
Tate Britain director and jury chair Alex Farquharson denied Kalu’s neurodivergence was a factor in the decision.
“It was interest in, and a real belief in, the quality and uniqueness of her practice, which is inseparable from who she is,” he stated.
Kalu beat three other shortlisted artists, all based in London.
They were Iraqi painter Mohammed Sami, British artist Rene Matic and Canadian-Korean artist Zadie Xa.
Sami’s work explores memory and conflict in his war-torn homeland.
Matic’s practice blends photography with sound to address race and vulnerability.
Xa’s installation draws on Korean shamanism and ocean folklore.
The prize, named after painter J.M.W. Turner, includes a RM130,650 award for the winner.
Each runner-up receives RM52,260.
The shortlisted works have been on display at Bradford’s Cartwright Hall Art Gallery since September.
Christopher Turner of the V&A museum said the prize remains an “important launching pad for emerging and mid-career artists”.
Previous winners include Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Steve McQueen.
Last year’s prize was won by Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur. – AFP
