What's happened
The Turner Prize 2025 shortlist features four artists: Nnena Kalu, Mohammed Sami, Rene Matić, and Zadie Xa. The announcement coincides with the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner's birth. The winner will be revealed on December 9, 2025, in Bradford, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
What's behind the headline?
Overview
The Turner Prize continues to be a significant platform for contemporary artists, yet this year's shortlist has sparked mixed reactions regarding its artistic boldness.
Key Points
- Diversity of Mediums: The shortlisted artists represent various forms, including painting, sculpture, and installation, showcasing the breadth of contemporary art.
- Artistic Impact: Critics have noted that while Mohammed Sami's work addresses profound themes like war and migration, it lacks the shock value often associated with groundbreaking art.
- Cultural Reflection: The selection reflects current cultural dialogues, with artists like Nnena Kalu using personal experiences to inform their work, yet some argue it lacks the audacity seen in past nominees.
- Future Implications: The exhibition in Bradford will likely draw attention to the evolving nature of art and its societal implications, potentially influencing future artistic directions and public engagement with contemporary issues.
What the papers say
According to Esther Addley in The Guardian, the shortlist includes artists like Nnena Kalu, who creates installations from fabric and tape, and Mohammed Sami, whose paintings evoke wartime trauma. Addley highlights the jury's praise for the artists' unique perspectives. In contrast, Jonathan Jones critiques the shortlist for lacking the boldness of past nominees, suggesting that the current cultural climate has led to a more cautious approach in contemporary art. Jane Bradley from The Scotsman emphasizes the significance of the Turner Prize in promoting public debate around contemporary art, noting the exhibition's role in the UK City of Culture celebrations. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the ongoing debate about the role of art in society and its capacity to challenge norms.
How we got here
The Turner Prize, established in 1984, aims to promote contemporary British art. This year's shortlist reflects a diverse range of artistic practices, celebrating JMW Turner's legacy on his 250th birthday.
Go deeper
- What are the themes explored by the shortlisted artists?
- How does this year's shortlist compare to previous years?
- What impact does the Turner Prize have on contemporary art?
Common question
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What is the significance of the Turner Prize 2025 shortlist?
The Turner Prize is a prestigious award that highlights contemporary British art, and the 2025 shortlist has sparked discussions about its impact on society and the art world. With artists like Nnena Kalu and Mohammed Sami featured, many are curious about how this year's nominees reflect current cultural trends and public perceptions of art.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Turner Prize, named after the English painter J. M. W. Turner, is an annual prize presented to a British visual artist. Between 1991 and 2016, only artists under the age of 50 were eligible.