British-Nigerian Artist Nnena Kalu Breaks Barriers with Turner Prize Win

British-born artist Nnena Kalu has made history by winning the prestigious Turner Prize, one of the highest honours in contemporary art. Her richly textured, cocoon-like sculptures have drawn international attention for their originality and immersive qualities.

Kalu, who is autistic and has a learning disability, creates her sculptures from tape, paper, plastic, and found materials. Her works often develop organically in the spaces where she works, resulting in layered, striking forms that challenge conventional ideas of sculpture.

Over two decades, she has honed her practice with ActionSpace, a London-based organisation supporting artists with learning disabilities. Her persistent experimentation has allowed her to develop a distinctive artistic voice, blending rhythm, texture, and scale in dynamic ways.

Her breakthrough works include Hanging Sculpture 1-10 (2024), commissioned by Manifesta 15 in Barcelona, and Drawing 21 (2021), displayed at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery. Earlier in 2025, she presented her largest institutional show in Europe at Norway’s Kunsthall Stavanger.

The Turner Prize jury praised her creations for their “bold and compelling” presence, highlighting how her process-driven approach pushes the boundaries of contemporary sculpture. Kalu was shortlisted alongside other London-based international artists, reflecting the city’s growing role in global art discourse.

Charlotte Hollinshead, Kalu’s long-time support worker, described the win as groundbreaking for disabled artists. “This is more than an award; it’s a challenge to prejudice,” she said, applauding Kalu’s perseverance despite years of discrimination and societal barriers.

Kalu’s achievement resonates beyond the art world, inspiring the British-Nigerian diaspora and other communities that navigate challenges of visibility and recognition. Her work demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and cultural heritage can converge to achieve international acclaim.

Founded in 1984 and named after British painter J.M.W. Turner, the Turner Prize continues to spotlight innovative contemporary artists, with Kalu’s win marking a historic moment for inclusivity and representation in the arts.