**Scottish Artist Nnena Kalu Wins 2025 Turner Prize**
**Meta Description:** Nnena Kalu, a Scottish artist, wins the 2025 Turner Prize for her vibrant sculptures and impactful exhibitions, making history as the first artist with a learning disability to receive the honor.
**URL Slug:** nnena-kalu-turner-prize-2025
**Headline:** Nnena Kalu Makes History as First Artist with Learning Disability to Win Turner Prize 2025
Scottish artist Nnena Kalu has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Turner Prize, recognized for her two remarkable exhibitions, which feature a series of strikingly colorful sculptures. The 59-year-old Glaswegian artist received the visual arts accolade, along with a £25,000 prize, during a ceremony held on Tuesday in Bradford, the UK City of Culture for this year. Notably, Kalu is the first artist with a learning disability to achieve this honor.
Kalu’s winning works include “Hanging Sculpture 1-10,” a collection commissioned by European art exhibitors Manifesta, created at a decommissioned power station in Barcelona. Additionally, she was recognized for her contributions to “Conversations,” a group exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. The sculptures in her series are characterized by their vibrant colors and intricate designs, crafted from repeated lines and various materials to form nest or cocoon-like shapes.
The installation at the industrial site featured ten large, vividly colored sculptures suspended from grey concrete pillars, creating a striking visual impact. In her “Conversations” exhibition, Kalu showcased her artistic versatility with works created using pen, graphite, and chalk pen on paper.
The jury, led by Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, praised Kalu’s “bold and compelling work,” highlighting the “lively translation of expressive gesture” present in both her abstract sculptures and drawings. The panel commended her use of scale, composition, and color, noting the “powerful presence” of her creations.
Kalu is also a resident artist at ActionSpace’s studio, which supports learning-disabled artists in London. She triumphed over fellow shortlisted artists Rene Matic, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa. The works of all four artists are currently on display at a free exhibition at Bradford’s Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, running until February 22.
This year’s Turner Prize coincides with the 250th anniversary of the birth of British painter JMW Turner, after whom the award is named.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the significance of Nnena Kalu winning the Turner Prize?**
A: Nnena Kalu’s win is significant as she is the first artist with a learning disability to receive the Turner Prize, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the arts and recognizing the talent of diverse artists.
