From 300 entries, 66 artists have been selected for the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA), Australia’s most prestigious and longest-running award dedicated to Indigenous art.
Anwar Young for the 2017 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards
This year NATSIAA welcomes a new generation of artists with the creation of two new categories; the Telstra Multimedia Award allowing multi-disciplinary artists the opportunity to enter innovative and exciting works that recognise methods of art including photography, graphic design, film, audio tape and other digital content, and the Telstra Emerging Artist Award providing a tangible avenue for artists of all ages who are in the first few years of their practice to gain exposure on a national stage and launch their career.
Andy Snelgar for the 2017 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards
Luke Scholes, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) Curator of Aboriginal Art, said: “This year’s Awards celebrate the poignant narratives that represent Australia’s unique Indigenous voices. We are thrilled to see a new wave of artist submissions thanks to the new Telstra Multimedia Award and Telstra Emerging Artist Award.”
This year’s judging panel includes: Emily McDaniel; Director, Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art, Chris Saines; and artist, Regina Wilson.
The seven winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony and exhibition opening at MAGNT on Friday 11 August 2017, where the 34th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award finalists’ exhibition will be on show 12 August to 29 October 2017. Collectively the winners this year will receive $80,000 (with the Telstra Art Award of receiving $50,000) to assist in their career development.
Lisa Waup for the 2017 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards
The 2017 NATSIAA finalists are: Andy Snelgar, Penny Evans, Anniebell, Marrngnamarrnga, Barayuwa Munuŋgurr, Beth Inkamala Mbitjana, Bob Burruwal, Djirrirra Wunuŋmurra, Djuwakan #2 Marika, Gary Lee, Gunybi Ganambarr, Guykuḏa Munuŋgurr, Harold Joseph Thomas (Bundoo), Hubert Pareroultja, Marlene Rubuntja, Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Pedro Wonaeamirri, Rhonda Sharpe, Roland Burrunali, Timothy Cook, Yalti Napangati, Yolanda Rostron, Yukultji Napangati,Archie Moore, Delissa Walker, Paul Bong, Robert Tommy Pau, Shirley Macnamara, Warraba Weatherall, Alec Baker, Anwar Young, Unrupa Thonda Dick and Frank Young, Betty Muffler, David Frank, Mary Iluwantji Ken, Katajuku Pan, Willy Jimmy Donegan, Kaika Burton, Jimmy Pompey, Kaylene Whiskey, Matjangka (Nyukana) Norris, Mumu Mike Williams, Nyunmiti Burton, Nyurpaya Kaika, Paniny Mick, Pepai Jangala Carroll, Peter Mungkuri, Ray Ken, Robert Fielding, Rupert Jack, Taylor Cooper, Tiger Yaltangki, Tjungkara Ken, Vincent Namatjira, Watarru Collaborative, Wawiriya Burton, Yaritji Young, Kent Morris, Lisa Waup, Christian Thompson, Billy Atkins Yunkurra, Illiam Nargoodah, Mervyn Street, Muuki Taylor, Neville McArthur, Ngarralja Tommy May, Nyarapayi Giles, Ray James Tjangala, Tjigila and Nada Rawlins.
