Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Nnela Kalu Wins 2025 Turner Prize
Nnena Kalu, a 59-year-old artist from Glasgow, has won the 2025 Turner Prize.
She is the first artist with learning disabilities to win this prestigious award.
Her art includes big hanging sculptures made from old VHS tapes, rope, and fabric, as well as colorful drawings.
The judges loved her work because it is unique and makes people think about their own bodies and boundaries.
Some people are happy because her win shows that artists with disabilities can be successful.
Others think the prize should have gone to different artists.
But everyone agrees that her art is special and important.
Nnena Kalu, a 59-year-old Glaswegian artist with autism and learning disabilities, won the 2025 Turner Prize.
Her work includes large, hanging sculptures made from VHS tape, rope, and fabric, as well as bright, swirling drawings.
Judges praised her art for its bold and compelling nature, emphasizing visual, tactile, and experiential aspects.
Kalu's win is seen as a significant moment for neurodiverse artists, breaking down barriers in the art world.
Some critics argue that other shortlisted artists deserved the prize more, but the jury emphasized the quality and uniqueness of Kalu's work.
- Who
- Nnena Kalu, a 59-year-old Glaswegian artist with autism and learning disabilities
- What
- Won the 2025 Turner Prize for her art
- When
- 2025
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- For her bold and compelling work, emphasizing visual, tactile, and experiential aspects of art
- Artist
- Nnena Kalu
- Age
- 59
- Hometown
- Glasgow
- Prize
- 2025 Turner Prize
- Art Medium
- Sculpture and drawings
- Materials Used
- VHS tape, rope, fabric, pen, pastel
- Jury Chair
- Alex Farquharson
- Critic's Description
- Bold and compelling