Meet the 2025 Turner Prize Nominees: Contemporary Art’s Boldest Voices

Tate’s Turner Prize 2025 Nominees

The Turner Prize 2025 shortlist has just been announced, and the lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. Four exceptional artists—Mohammed Sami, Rene Matić, Nnena Kalu, and Zadie Xa—have been nominated for the prestigious award. Their work spans a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to photography and immersive installations, each exploring deeply personal and social themes.

The Turner Prize, one of the most respected accolades in the art world, celebrates innovation in British contemporary art and remains a platform for thought-provoking discussions.

Mohammed Sami: Confronting War and Memory

Mohammed Sami, born in Baghdad in 1984, is known for his emotionally charged paintings that explore the trauma of war and migration. His recent exhibition After the Storm at Blenheim Palace was pivotal in securing his nomination. The show was described as a powerful representation of conflict and exile. Sami’s work is shaped by his personal history, including his experience as a child living under Saddam Hussein’s regime and his eventual exile to Sweden.

As the jury noted, his paintings often combine figuration and abstraction, providing a deeply introspective look at the effects of warfare on personal memory and identity. Priyesh Mistry, the associate curator of Modern and Contemporary Projects at the National Gallery, described Sami’s work as “exploring the memories of his personal history, focusing on warfare and migration.”

Rene Matić: Exploring Identity, Race, and Belonging

At just 27 years old, Rene Matić is the youngest nominee in years. Hailing from Peterborough, their photography and installations delve into race, gender, class, and nationhood. Matić’s exhibition As Opposed to the Truth at CCA Berlin features intimate photographs of family and friends, accompanied by sound and installation works.

The artist’s work challenges notions of identity, vulnerability, and community, prompting viewers to reconsider the complexities of belonging in a globalised world. As Sam Lackey, director of the Liverpool Biennial, explained, Matić’s work is intimate and compelling, with a profound resonance in contemporary social themes.

Nnena Kalu: Sculpting with Fabric and VHS Tape

Nnena Kalu, a Scottish-born artist with learning disabilities, is celebrated for her vibrant, large-scale sculptures made from repurposed fabric and old videotape. Her unique ability to transform these everyday materials into abstract, swirling forms has earned her a place on this year’s shortlist.

Her works often blur the line between abstraction and material play, creating visually striking installations that captivate with their chaotic, colourful energy. Kalu’s work was showcased in last year’s Manifesta 15 in Barcelona and the Conversations exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. The Turner Prize jury praised her “unique command of material, colour, and gesture,” highlighting her “highly attuned responses to architectural space.”

Zadie Xa: Fusing Folklore and Contemporary Expression

Zadie Xa, a Korean-Canadian artist, is known for her immersive installations that fuse folklore, speculative fiction, and diasporic identity. Her nominated work, Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales and Earth Remembers Everything, was featured at the Sharjah Biennial 16. Xa’s installation combines large-format paintings, Korean patchwork textiles, and an arrangement of 650 brass wind chimes, creating an immersive soundscape that reflects on spiritual and cultural memory.

Her exploration of Korean shamanism and matrilineal knowledge through art is both a personal and collective meditation on heritage and identity. As Alex Farquharson, the director of Tate Britain, pointed out, Xa’s work embodies a sense of the “sublime, swirling” that has echoes of J.M.W. Turner’s emotive landscapes.

Turner Prize Exhibition in Bradford

The shortlisted artists’ works will be displayed at the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations, from 27 September 2025 to 22 February 2026. This exhibition offers an exciting opportunity to explore the breadth of contemporary British art in a diverse, dynamic setting.

Bradford’s role as a City of Culture makes it a fitting host for this high-profile exhibition, as it reflects the city’s commitment to fostering creative conversations across a variety of art forms. Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said, “Each of the nominees has a remarkable ability to take huge subject matters and abstract themes and turn them into powerful, shared experiences.”

The Turner Prize: A Legacy of Innovation and Controversy

Founded in 1984, the Turner Prize is awarded to an artist based in Britain for an outstanding exhibition or project from the last 12 months. The winner will receive £25,000, with £10,000 awarded to each of the other shortlisted artists. Over the years, the prize has become known for its bold, sometimes controversial choices. From Damien Hirst’s dissected cows to Tracey Emin’s My Bed, the prize has always sparked debate about the boundaries of art and its role in society.

As the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner’s birth is commemorated, it’s clear that his spirit of innovation continues to inspire contemporary artists. Alex Farquharson remarked, “The language of contemporary art has expanded so much in the past 250 years,” acknowledging that the nominated artists offer a fresh perspective on what it means to engage with history, identity, and the world around us.

The Turner Prize Jury: Guardians of Artistic Excellence

The Turner Prize 2025 jury plays a crucial role in selecting the nominees and winner, and their diverse expertise and perspectives are key to maintaining the award’s relevance and integrity. The jury for 2025 consists of leading figures in the contemporary art world, including:

• Alex Farquharson: Director of Tate Britain, whose leadership at one of the UK’s foremost art institutions brings invaluable insight into contemporary British art and its evolving landscape.
• Priyesh Mistry: Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Projects at the National Gallery, whose expertise in curating groundbreaking exhibitions plays a vital role in shaping the narratives around modern art.
• Sam Lackey: Director of the Liverpool Biennial, a respected figure in contemporary art festivals who brings a global perspective to the award process.
• Shanaz Gulzar: Creative Director of Bradford 2025, whose involvement in the UK City of Culture initiative ensures that the art exhibited resonates deeply with the public and reflects cultural dialogues.
  

Their role is not just about selecting the nominees; they are custodians of the Turner Prize’s legacy, making decisions that can shape the future of contemporary art. The jury’s collective understanding of art history, contemporary trends, and cultural significance ensures that each nominee is given a platform to showcase their work to the world.

Who Will Win?

The winner of the Turner Prize 2025 will be announced at a ceremony on 9 December in Bradford, marking the culmination of months of anticipation. The prize has long been a catalyst for artists, catapulting them into international recognition, and this year’s nominees are no exception. With their diverse practices, personal histories, and boundary-pushing concepts, Sami, Matić, Kalu, and Xa are sure to continue challenging and inspiring audiences worldwide.

What is The Turner Prize 2025 Actually About?

The Turner Prize 2025 is more than just an award—it’s a platform for artists to explore complex societal themes, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. As the shortlisted artists prepare for their upcoming exhibition, one thing is clear: this year’s Turner Prize will be a celebration of diverse voices and innovative practices, shaping the future of art for years to come.

Image – Turner Prize 2025 Courtesy – Aita Ighodaro Art via Facebook