Nnena Kalu has been awarded the Turner Prize 2025. Kalu was announced winner of the £25,000 prize at a special ceremony in Bradford, this year’s UK City of Culture.
One of the best-known visual arts prizes in the world, the Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. Established in 1984, the prize is awarded each year to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work.
The jury commended Nnena Kalu, who creates hanging sculptures from wrappings of different materials making cocoon-like shapes, as well as large-scale drawings made with vigorous, rhythmic lines, for her bold and compelling work, praising her lively translation of expressive gesture into captivating abstract sculpture and drawing. Noting her distinct practice and finesse of scale, composition and colour, they admired the powerful presence these works have.
Along with Kalu, the shortlisted artists for 2025 were Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa.
The jury congratulated all four nominees for their unique and bold presentations, offering an insight into contemporary art today. Working across sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, sound and installation, this year’s nominees each reflect their diverse practices and broad experience in compelling ways.
The members of the Turner Prize 2025 jury were Andrew Bonacina, independent curator; Sam Lackey, Director, Liverpool Biennial; Priyesh Mistry, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Projects, The National Gallery; and Habda Rashid, Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Fitzwilliam Museum. The jury was chaired by Alex Farquharson, Director, Tate Britain.
The exhibition of the four shortlisted artists is at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Bradford until 22 February 2026.
For further information: bradford2025.co.uk
Image: Installation view of Nnena Kalu’s presentation at the Turner Prize 2025, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. Photo © David Levene
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