Unleashing Creativity: Our Sensory SEND Art Club and the Spirit of Nnena Kalu
At Hackney Children’s Art School, we believe that art is a universal language—one that shouldn’t be limited by how we communicate or navigate the world. Our Sensory SEND Art Club @ Halley House School is a vibrant testament to this belief, providing a space where process, texture, and rhythm take centre stage over "perfection."
A Space for Sensory Exploration
In our recent sessions, we’ve been diving deep into large-scale, tactile making. Inspired by the idea that art is an immersive physical experience, our young artists have been:
Building Rhythms: Using repetitive motions to create complex, layered structures that grow and change with every hand that touches them.
Tactile Textures: Exploring the raw feel of materials—from the crinkle of tape to the smoothness of recycled plastics—to build extraordinary 3D forms.
Collaborative Energy: Working together in a way that celebrates individual expression within a shared masterpiece.
Inspired by a Trailblazer: Nnena Kalu
Our approach in the club resonates deeply with the work of Nnena Kalu, the incredible artist who recently won the Turner Prize 2025. Kalu, who creates her monumental sculptures through repetitive binding and wrapping, has shown the world the profound power of neurodivergent creativity.
Her win is a landmark moment for the arts, proving that the intensive, rhythmic processes we practice in our SEND club aren't just "activities"—they are a sophisticated and vital form of contemporary art. Like Kalu, our students find a unique "voice" through the physical act of making, turning everyday materials into something monumental.
Why Sensory Art Matters
For many of our participants, the traditional "sit-and-draw" model doesn't work. By focusing on sensory-rich experiences, we allow children to:
Regulate and Focus: The repetitive nature of wrapping and binding can be incredibly calming.
Build Confidence: There is no "wrong" way to contribute to a collaborative sculpture.
Celebrate Neurodiversity: We view different ways of thinking and making as a creative superpower.
We are so proud of the work being done in the studio and even more inspired to see artists like Nnena Kalu being celebrated on the world stage.
