Autistic Scottish Artist Nnena Kalu Shatters Turner Prize ‘Glass Ceiling’ with Historic Win

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

Scottish artist Nnena Kalu has achieved a landmark victory by winning the Turner Prize 2025, a moment widely described as historic for both contemporary art and the representation of neurodivergent artists. Born in Glasgow and now 59, Kalu has built a career centred on raw, expressive hanging sculptures constructed from wrapped materials such as fabric, tape, and rope. Her works, known for their bold physical presence and layered textures, have long been admired within specialist circles, but her Turner Prize win places her firmly on the global art stage.

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The jury praised her practice as “bold and compelling,” emphasising the intensity and uniqueness of her artistic language. While Kalu’s neurodivergence has been part of her public narrative, jury chair Alex Farquharson made clear that the prize was awarded purely on the strength and distinctiveness of her work, noting that the quality of her practice is inseparable from who she is as an artist.

For years, Kalu has continued creating in the face of misunderstanding and discrimination, something her supporter Charlotte Hollinshead highlighted with emotion as she celebrated the win. She described the moment as “seismic,” saying it breaks a “very stubborn glass ceiling” that has kept many disabled and neurodivergent artists on the margins of mainstream recognition. The victory is also being hailed by disability charity Sense, which called her shortlisting alone “incredibly significant.”

This year’s Turner Prize finalists included Iraqi painter Mohammed Sami, British artist Rene Matic, and Canadian-Korean artist Zadie Xa, each known for exploring themes ranging from war trauma to race and folklore. Their works have been exhibited at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford since September. Still, Kalu’s deeply physical and emotionally resonant sculptures set her apart in the eyes of the jury.

The Turner Prize, established in 1984 and organised by Tate, has often sparked debate and occasionally controversy. It has also served as a launching pad for major artists including Gilbert & George, Anish Kapoor, Rachel Whiteread, and Steve McQueen. Kalu’s win continues this legacy of spotlighting groundbreaking artistic voices while expanding the conversation around who is seen, celebrated, and uplifted in the art world.

With £25,000 awarded to the winner and £10,000 to each shortlisted artist, the prize remains one of the most influential in the global art landscape. Kalu’s triumph is being recognised not only as a personal achievement but also as an important cultural moment — one that promises to open doors for future generations of disabled and neurodivergent artists. Her perseverance, creativity, and commitment to her vision have culminated in a victory that resonates far beyond the gallery walls.