""Firstly, our decision was qualitative and based on the visual and aesthetic quality of Nnena's work," Farquharson said. "She makes amazing abstract art, whirlpool-like; its expressiveness is enigmatic. "It would not be a powerful statement if the work was not powerful on its own terms. Also, learning disabled artists have not been properly recognised in the art world so this is part of a change.""
""The jury commended Kalu's bold and compelling work, praising her lively translation of expressive gesture into captivating abstract sculpture and drawing. Noting her distinct practice and finesse of scale, composition and colour, they admired the powerful pre"
""represents a really significant moment for the learning disabled artist community, not just nationally but internationally," said Michael Raymond, a co-curator of the Turner Prize exhibition."
Nnena Kalu won the Turner Prize, becoming the first learning-disabled person to receive the award. Her work includes suspended sculptures bound with rope and tape and swirling vortex drawings on show at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford until 22 February 2026 as part of the UK City of Culture festival. The other shortlisted artists were Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa. The jury highlighted the visual and aesthetic strength of Kalu's enigmatic abstract practice and framed the recognition as a significant step toward better acknowledgement of learning-disabled artists. Kalu was nominated for works shown in Liverpool and Barcelona.
Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events
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