On April 23, 2025, the prestigious Turner Prize announced its shortlist, featuring four dynamic artists: Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa. This announcement coincided with the 250th anniversary of the birth of renowned English artist JMW Turner, a fitting tribute to the legacy of innovation that the prize seeks to uphold.
The Turner Prize, established in 1984, has become the UK’s most celebrated art award, aimed at promoting public discourse around contemporary British art. This year’s jury, chaired by Alex Farquharson, director of Tate Britain, consists of notable figures such as Andrew Bonacina, independent curator; Sam Lackey, director of Liverpool Biennial; Priyesh Mistry, associate curator at The National Gallery; and Habda Rashid, senior curator at the Fitzwilliam Museum.
The shortlisted artists will showcase their works at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford from September 27, 2025, to February 22, 2026, as part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony on December 9, 2025, where they will receive £25,000, while the other nominees will each receive £10,000.
Nnena Kalu, born in Glasgow, is recognized for her unique sculptural installations that incorporate paper and textiles. Her works, characterized by cocoon-like shapes, are bound and layered with vibrant cellophane and tape, creating expressive pieces that hang from ceilings or walls. The jury praised her ability to manipulate material and color, noting her keen awareness of architectural space and her talent for creating abstract swirling drawings on paper.
Rene Matić, a Peterborough artist, is the youngest nominee at 27. Their work captures intimate moments of joy and tenderness against a backdrop of broader political themes. Matić’s exhibition, titled "AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH," features personal photographs of family and friends displayed in stacked frames, accompanied by sound and installation elements. The jury highlighted Matić’s capacity to express complex issues surrounding belonging and identity, reflecting the experiences of a young generation through a compelling narrative.
Mohammed Sami, born in Baghdad and now based in the UK, is celebrated for his large-scale paintings that delve into themes of memory and loss. His works often depict empty landscapes and interiors, serving as metaphors for absence and the haunting effects of war. The jury commended Sami’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through his dreamlike scenes, which draw from his experiences during the Iraq War and his life as a refugee in Sweden. His exhibition, "After the Storm," is currently displayed at Blenheim Palace, where it evokes the historical significance of the site while addressing contemporary issues of conflict.
Zadie Xa, a Korean-Canadian artist, brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work, which includes painting, textiles, and sound. Her installation, "Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything," created in collaboration with Spanish artist Benito Mayor Vallejo, explores spiritual realms through folklore. The jury noted the cohesive nature of her installation, which features over 650 brass wind chimes inspired by Korean shamanic rituals, blending soundscapes with vibrant paintings and intricate bojagi patchwork.
The announcement of the Turner Prize shortlist has sparked excitement within the art community and beyond. Alex Farquharson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s an honor to announce this fantastic Turner Prize shortlist – congratulations to all the nominees. The shortlist reflects the breadth of artistic practice today, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation, and each of the artists offers a unique way of viewing the world through personal experience and expression."
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, remarked on the significance of hosting such a renowned event in Bradford, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural richness and attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
The Turner Prize has a storied history of recognizing and celebrating contemporary artists, with past winners including notable figures like Damien Hirst and Grayson Perry. Last year’s winner, Jasleen Kaur, was recognized for her innovative work that personified everyday objects through sound installations, exploring cultural heritage in a contemporary context.
As the art world eagerly anticipates the exhibition and the announcement of the winner, the 2025 Turner Prize shortlist serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of artistic innovation and the diverse voices shaping contemporary art today. The upcoming exhibition at Cartwright Hall promises to be a significant event, showcasing the talents of these four remarkable artists and their contributions to the evolving landscape of British art.
