History was made at this year’s Turner Prize as artist Nnena Kalu became the first person with a learning disability to win the prestigious British art award, per mymodernmet.com.
She received a cash prize of £25,000.
Kalu, an autistic artist with limited verbal communication, is renowned for her large-scale sculptures created from found fabric and VHS tape, woven into vibrant, oversized knots. Her intricate drawings feature similar twisting motifs, noted for their hypnotic quality.
Alex Farquharson, chair of the jury and director of Tate Britain, described Kalu’s win as a “watershed moment.” He stated, “[It] begins to erase that border between the neurotypical and neurodiverse artist… that boundary is dissolving.”
Attending the award gala, Kalu wore a rosette bearing the phrase “Idol, Legend, Winner, Whatever.” Her studio manager, Charlotte Hollinshead, delivered the acceptance speech, saying, “Nnena has faced an incredible amount of discrimination, which continues to this day, so hopefully this award helps to smash the prejudice away.”
Born in Scotland to Nigerian parents, Kalu now lives and works in London at ActionSpace, a non-profit studio dedicated to supporting disabled artists.
•Featured image: Nnena Kalu/Instagram
