Autistic Scottish Artist Nnena Kalu Wins Turner Prize, Breaking a 'Glass Ceiling'

Glasgow-born artist Nnena Kalu, 59, has won the 2025 Turner Prize for her hanging sculptures made from wrapped materials including fabric, rope and tape. The jury described her work as "bold and compelling" and praised "the powerful presence these works have." The British disability charity Sense called her shortlisting "incredibly significant."

Recognition and Reaction

Charlotte Hollinshead, who assists Kalu, applauded the artist's perseverance, saying Kalu "has worked so hard for such a long time" while facing stigma and discrimination. Hollinshead called the award "seismic," saying it "has broken a very stubborn glass ceiling."

"This amazing lady has worked so hard for such a long time," — Charlotte Hollinshead, Kalu's assistant.

Jury Statement and Context

Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain and chair of the Turner Prize 2025 jury, said the decision was driven by "interest in, and a real belief in, the quality and uniqueness of her practice, which is inseparable from who she is... whatever the artist's identity is." He rejected the suggestion that Kalu's neurodivergence was the deciding factor.

The Shortlist

Kalu beat three other shortlisted artists: Iraqi-born painter Mohammed Sami (40), Rene Matic (27) and Canadian-Korean artist Zadie Xa (41). The organisers say all four now live and work in London. Their shortlisted works have been on display since September at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, northern England.

About The Turner Prize

Established in 1984 and organised by the Tate, the Turner Prize is awarded annually to an artist born or based in Britain for an outstanding exhibition or presentation of their work. The winner receives £25,000, while each of the other shortlisted artists receives £10,000.

Legacy and Controversy

Christopher Turner of the V&A said the prize has "struggled to connect with the public... as it used to," but remains "an important launching pad for emerging and mid-career artists." Past winners include Gilbert & George, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Steve McQueen and Damien Hirst. The prize has frequently sparked debate — from Chris Ofili's use of elephant dung (1998) to Hirst's preserved animals and Emin's provocative installations.

Last year, Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur won the prize for a solo exhibition that included a Ford Escort adorned with a giant doily as the award celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Key facts: The four shortlisted artists were announced on 23 April — exactly 250 years after J.M.W. Turner's birth — and the winning exhibition was part of the Turner Prize presentation held outside Tate Britain this year.