Turner Prize 2025 Shortlist Announced

The highly anticipated shortlist for the Turner Prize 2025 has officially been unveiled, highlighting four remarkable artists whose visionary creations address vital themes like identity, heritage, memory, and culture. The nominees—Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa—represent a diverse array of practices and narratives, reaffirming the Prize’s dedication to innovation and artistic excellence.

Meet the Nominees:

Nnena Kalu

Renowned for vibrant sculptures crafted from everyday materials such as VHS tapes and fabric, Nnena Kalu brings powerful visual statements to contemporary art. Her captivating, large-scale installations have been featured at prestigious venues including Manifesta 15 in Barcelona and the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Rene Matić

The youngest artist on this year’s list, Rene Matić, creates thought-provoking installations, photography, and poetry exploring themes of race, gender, and socio-political identity. Matić’s recent exhibition, “AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH,” showcased in Berlin, has drawn international acclaim for its critical examination of contemporary societal structures.

Mohammed Sami

Mohammed Sami’s compelling paintings delve deeply into the intricate and often heart-wrenching themes of personal and collective trauma resulting from conflict and displacement. His artistry is not merely a visual expression but a powerful reflection of the emotional scars left behind by war, exile, and upheaval that many individuals and communities endure. Sami’s works evoke a visceral response, capturing the raw, unfiltered pain and resilience experienced by those who have been forcibly removed from their homes or have survived the ravages of conflict. Through his brushstrokes, he explores themes of loss, hope, memory, and identity, offering viewers a poignant window into worlds shaped by chaos but also by the indomitable spirit of survival. His haunting exhibition, titled “After the Storm,” is a profound and evocative showcase of this deeply personal and collective journey through trauma. Displayed at the historic and elegant setting of Blenheim Palace, the exhibition creates a unique and compelling juxtaposition—melding contemporary themes of war and displacement within a backdrop of British history and grandeur. The grandeur of Blenheim Palace, with its opulent architecture and storied past, serves as a stark contrast to the often harrowing narratives depicted in Sami’s paintings. This strategic placement invites viewers to reflect on the echoes of history that resonate within British soil and curious connections between the old world and the new realities faced by displaced populations today. “After the Storm” explores the complex interplay between memory and history, illustrating how personal stories of trauma intertwine with collective histories of conflict. Sami’s artwork often incorporates symbolic motifs—fragmented figures, haunting landscapes, and sobering imagery—that evoke the chaos and fragility of life in times of war. Each piece acts as a visual testimony, capturing the nuanced emotions of despair, resilience, and hope that define the human experience in times of upheaval. By situating these narratives within the timeless setting of Blenheim Palace, Sami encourages a profound dialogue between the past and the present, prompting viewers to consider how history’s wounds shape contemporary identities and societal memory. Furthermore, Sami’s exhibition emphasizes themes of memory preservation and the importance of storytelling through art. His works serve as an act of remembrance for those who have suffered and continue to suffer due to conflict-induced displacement. The exhibition not only honors individual stories but also raises awareness about ongoing global crises, calling for empathy and understanding across cultural divides. Through “After the Storm,” Sami invites audiences to engage deeply with the emotional fabric of trauma and to recognize the resilience of those who weather the storms of conflict, ultimately fostering a sense of solidarity and hope amidst the darkness. This exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge, heal, and inspire reflection on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today.

Zadie Xa

Blending elements of folklore, mythology, and environmental activism, Canadian-Korean artist Zadie Xa creates immersive installations. Her recent work featured at Sharjah Biennial 16 integrates painting, textile, and sound to explore ancestral connections and ecological awareness.

An exhibition showcasing these visionary artists will take place at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford from September 27, 2025, to February 22, 2026, as part of Bradford’s celebration as the UK City of Culture 2025. The winner will be announced on December 9, 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Turner Prize 2025 and insights into how these groundbreaking artists continue to reshape the art world.

The Turner Prize, established in 1984, is one of the most prestigious and high-profile awards in the contemporary art world. Named after the 19th-century painter J.M.W. Turner, the prize aims to celebrate innovative and influential British artists, encouraging experimental practices and bold ideas that push the boundaries of contemporary art. Over the decades, it has gained a reputation for showcasing groundbreaking work that often sparks public debate and challenges conventional perceptions of art. The prize not only provides a vital platform for emerging and established artists alike but also fosters conversations around pressing societal issues through the lens of artistic expression. Each year, the shortlisted artists present their work in a curated exhibition, culminating in the announcement of the winner—a recognition that can significantly impact their careers and visibility within the global art community. The Turner Prize remains a dynamic reflection of the evolving landscape of contemporary art, continually inspiring dialogue, discovery, and innovation.