Who won the Turner Prize this year?

Nnena Kalu won the Turner Prize this year, making history as the first artist with a learning disability to receive the award.

What kind of art does Nnena Kalu create?

Nnena Kalu creates abstract sculptures and drawings using materials like old VHS tape and plastic webbing.

What is unique about Nnena Kalu's Turner Prize win?

Nnena Kalu is the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize, highlighting a significant achievement in representation.

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Learning Disabled Artist Wins Prestigious Turner Prize

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Nnena Kalu is the first artist with a learning disability to win the Turner Prize.
Kalu's art uses materials like old VHS tape and plastic webbing.
The Turner judges praised Kalu's expressive gesture and abstract sculpture.

Learning Disabled Artist Wins Prestigious Turner Prize

Nnena Kalu has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first artist with a learning disability to be awarded the prestigious Turner Prize. Her distinctive artwork, characterized by an almost alien presence and crafted from unconventional materials like old VHS tape and plastic webbing, has garnered significant attention.

The Turner Prize judges specifically praised Kalu for her "lively translation of expressive gesture into captivating abstract sculpture and drawing." They noted her unique practice and impressive finesse in scale, composition, and color, ultimately recognizing her work as significant art.

Kalu's art is deeply embodied and sensuous, reflecting a constant physical engagement. Despite its compelling nature, the judges' praise, while acknowledging its artistic merit, is seen by some as missing the essential compulsion behind her work, which speaks for itself through its raw energy and intent.