Honorary graduate nominated for Turner Prize

An honorary graduate from the University of Wolverhampton has been nominated for this year’s Turner Prize for her artwork.  

Claudette Elaine Johnson, MBE, is one of four nominated artists who will compete for the Turner Prize, with the winner to be announced on 3 December.  

She has been nominated following two solo shows within the last year: Presence at The Courtauld Gallery, London, and Drawn Out at Ortuzar Projects, New York.  

Claudette is known for her large-scale drawings of black women and involvement with the BLK Art Group. She started her career as part of the newly formed BLK Art Group, which she joined in 1981 while she was a student at the University of Wolverhampton where she studied Fine Art in the School of Art, graduating in 1982.  

The BLK Art Group’s first national convention was held at the University in 1982.  

Having graduated in 1982, 40 years later Claudette was awarded a Doctor of Arts from the University in recognition of her work over the years, being described by Modern Art Oxford as “one of the most accomplished figurative artists in Britain today.”   

Looking back at her time at the University of Wolverhampton, Claudette said: “My favourite memories are being in the studios on the sixth floor of the Art block looking at other students’ work, chatting about art, music and politics, and watching the extraordinarily wide sunsets from the seventh floor.  

“Of course, one of the high points was helping to organise the first National Black Art Convention held at the University in 1982. It was astonishing to see so many students of colour all engaged with formulating something that might be called Black Art. 

“By the time I graduated, I learnt to trust my instincts and follow the direction that felt right for me.” 

For anyone unsure about their next path in education, Claudette advises: “Having the time to focus on an area of study that is important to you is invaluable.  

“An important lesson I learnt during my time at the University was about the value of dreaming. The University of Wolverhampton and the course provided me with the space, materials and most importantly, time to develop my practice. The opportunities I had to work in sculpture, printmaking, photography and film all fed into the development of my paintings. 

“As Goethe said: Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it." 

To find out more about graduate success, check out the Every Story Has a Start web page which showcases our exceptional alumni across the globe doing incredible things. High achievers from the worlds of literature, business, sport, film and the arts feature, sharing how their lives and careers have developed since their days studying with us.   

The Clearing hotline number is 01902 323 232 and to find out more about our Open Days, visit our website.   

To learn more about the University’s Alumni Association click here, where graduates can update their details with the Association. 

Photo credits: Claudette Johnson in her London studio, July 2023, taken by Anne Tetzlaff.