Tag: modern art

International

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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.

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.

International

Dubai Unveils DUMA: A Floating Museum of Art Rising Above Dubai Creek

Tanisha Cardozo

Dubai is preparing to add another extraordinary landmark to its skyline — the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a floating cultural destination that will quite literally rise above the waters of Dubai Creek. Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the museum will stand as a global hub for modern art and creativity while reflecting Dubai’s growing stature as a capital of innovation and culture. Sheikh Mohammed described DUMA as “a museum that floats above the waters of Dubai Creek to enhance its brilliance and reflect Dubai’s civilisational spirit and artistic identity.”

The project, designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind structure inspired by nature and heritage. Its form will symbolize a shell and pearl — a tribute to Dubai’s pearl-diving past — while its design will embody harmony between water, sky, wind, and light. The museum will feature five expansive floors showcasing global and regional artists, alongside creative learning spaces, a library, a café, and art-inspired viewpoints overlooking the creek.

Sheikh Mohammed credited businessman Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar Al Futtaim for their contribution to the development, describing it as a model for how the private sector can meaningfully participate in cultural progress. He emphasized that “cities are completed by culture and art, and flourish through the economy when both public and private sectors work together.”

Beyond being a traditional museum, DUMA is envisioned as a living, breathing cultural hub — a place where “the world gathers for art and culture.” It will strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for creativity, joining the ranks of the city’s architectural icons such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Frame, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and the Museum of the Future. As construction begins, DUMA stands poised to become a floating masterpiece — a tribute to Dubai’s artistic spirit and its vision for the future.

International

BTS’s RM to Curate Landmark Exhibition at SFMOMA: A First for K-pop and Modern Art

Tanisha Cardozo

BTS’s RM is about to make history once again — but this time, not on stage. The global K-pop icon will step into the art world as a solo curator with RM X SFMOMA, an ambitious exhibition set to open at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) from October 2026 to February 2027. The collaboration, announced by BigHit Music on October 3, marks the first time a K-pop artist has curated an exhibition with the prestigious U.S. institution, positioning RM as a cultural bridge between the realms of music and modern art.

The initiative stems from SFMOMA’s recognition of RM’s refined taste, deep engagement with art, and growing influence beyond the music industry. RM, known for his frequent museum visits and art commentary on social media, has personally shaped the concept and selected works for the exhibition. According to Yonhap News, the project positions RM not only as an artist but also as a visionary curator.

The exhibition will showcase approximately 200 pieces, blending RM’s private art collection with selections from SFMOMA’s extensive archive. These works span across various mediums — including painting, sculpture, and contemporary experimental pieces — and highlight renowned Korean modern artists alongside celebrated international names. Many of these pieces will be shown to the public for the first time, offering a unique cross-cultural and personal perspective on art.

In his official statement, RM emphasized his hope that the exhibition will encourage viewers to reflect on cultural, temporal, and geographic boundaries. “There is no fixed way to appreciate these works,” he said, “but I hope this exhibition becomes a small yet solid bridge for many.” His curatorial approach is rooted in inviting a broad audience to experience art beyond labels and expectations.

SFMOMA’s chief curator, Janet Bishop, praised the collaboration, calling it a rare opportunity to witness an intimate and meaningful conversation between RM’s artistic sensibility and the museum’s world-renowned collection. The exhibition is expected to attract wide attention from both BTS’s global fanbase and the broader art world, opening new avenues for cultural dialogue.

As RM continues to redefine what it means to be a global artist in the 21st century, RM X SFMOMA stands as a landmark in the evolving relationship between pop culture and fine art. This is not just an exhibition — it’s a statement about connectivity, creative expression, and the power of cultural exchange.