Turner Prize 2025 Review – Conservative Shift Threatens Radical Legacy

A Bold and Boundary-Pushing Turner Prize 2025

This year’s Turner Prize shortlist has once again captured the attention of the art world, not just for its artistic merit but for the bold statements it makes about contemporary creativity and identity. The four artists on this year’s list have chosen to focus on physical creation, a shift that marks a significant departure from previous years where digital and conceptual works dominated. This return to the tactile and the tangible is a refreshing change, offering viewers a chance to engage with art in a more direct and immersive way.

Each of the nominated artists brings a unique perspective and approach to their work. Zadie Xa, a Korean-Canadian artist, presents her mythological paintings in an environment that feels more like a psychedelic nightclub than a traditional gallery space. Her use of acid-tinged walls and a reflective gold floor creates an atmosphere that enhances the visual impact of her work. Meanwhile, Nnena Kalu’s suspended sculptures, crafted from recycled materials like VHS tapes and clingfilm, create a sense of weightlessness and movement that contrasts beautifully with the neo-Baroque wood panelling of Bradford’s Cartwright Hall.

Rene Matić, the second-youngest artist ever to be shortlisted, offers a soundscape of contemporary voices that envelops the viewer, making the experience of their photographs of political demonstrations and queer subculture both immersive and intense. Their work challenges traditional notions of photography, presenting images that feel like spontaneous emanations of the British street rather than carefully constructed art pieces.

Mohammed Sami, born in Baghdad, stands out as a strong contender for the prize. His finely crafted paintings, which explore Iraq’s troubled past and present, are admired for their sophisticated merging of the figurative and the abstract. While his work may seem more traditional compared to the others, it is precisely this mastery of technique that makes him a compelling choice for the prize.

A Shift in Focus: From Concept to Craft

The Turner Prize has historically been known for its controversial and boundary-pushing nature. However, this year’s shortlist reflects a different kind of innovation—one that emphasizes the physical act of creation. After years of focusing on recontextualizing existing objects, the 2025 shortlist features two painters and a sculptor, signaling a return to traditional mediums. This shift is notable, especially given the dominance of digital and conceptual works in recent years.

Despite this return to the physical, the artists on this year’s list still push boundaries in their own ways. Xa’s work, rooted in the shamanic traditions of her Korean heritage, merges land and seascape in hallucinatory compositions. Kalu’s sculptures, created through a hand-winding process, reflect the “innate rhythms” of neurodiverse experiences. Matić’s photographs, while grounded in real-world events, challenge the viewer to consider the contradictions between political words and actions.

The Debate Over Tradition and Innovation

While the physicality of the works is a welcome change, there is a debate over whether the Turner Prize should reward an artist for something as old-world as proficiency in their craft. The prize has long been associated with controversy and avant-garde approaches, so a more conservative direction could be seen as a step backward. However, the resurgence of interest in painting and sculpture suggests that there is still a place for traditional techniques in contemporary art.

Mohammed Sami’s work, in particular, raises questions about what constitutes a successful artistic statement. His paintings, which avoid the clichés of news reportage, offer a more nuanced exploration of trauma and memory. The mystery and ambiguity in his work invite viewers to engage deeply, making them one of the most compelling entries this year.

A New Era for the Turner Prize

As the 2025 Turner Prize exhibition continues at Cartwright Hall in Bradford, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win. However, the shortlist itself is a testament to the diversity of contemporary art and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation. Each artist brings a unique voice and perspective, ensuring that the exhibition is as thought-provoking as it is visually striking.

The event also highlights the importance of supporting artists with complex support needs, even as it acknowledges the challenges they may face in the public eye. Ultimately, the Turner Prize continues to serve as a barometer of cutting-edge art, reflecting the evolving landscape of creative expression in the modern world.