The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory has announced the 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) winners.
“The diversity in artistic materials and the artist’s interpretation of their stories moved and sometimes surprised us,” said the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA panel of judges: Putuparri Tom Lawford, Keith Munro and Katina Davidson. “Several artworks discussed timely themes which have recently received national attention – and the judges commend each artist for using their practice to give attention to important stories at this prestigious event. The diversity of cultural, social, political – and ceremonial stories across all media should be celebrated.”
Noli Rictor, a Pitjantjatjara man and artist from Tjuntjuntjara in Western Australia, is the winner of the prestigious 2024 Telstra Art Award valued at $100,000 for his synthetic polymer paint on linen piece titled Kamanti, 2023. This remarkable painting depicts the significant site of Kamanti, situated in the north of traditional Spinifex Lands. This site is home to the Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Men Creation Line), an epic narrative that follows the journey of a father and son water serpent across the Spinifex Lands on ceremonial business.
Noli Rictor with Kamanti, 2023. Photograph: Charlie Bliss
Rictor’s painting vividly illustrates the Country he was born into, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural heritage that has shaped his life. The arid but sacred environment of Kamanti, the birthplace of the Creation Beings, is brought to life through Rictor’s masterful use of colour and form, capturing the enduring power and presence of the ancestral figures who sculpted the landscape as they moved through it.
Adam Worrall, Director MAGNT, said that Rictor’s “depiction of the Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa at Kamanti offers a powerful glimpse into his heritage, beautifully illustrating the Ancestral narratives that shape his Country and community.”
The judges add: “His expert use of colour and composition creates shimmering fields, carving the Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Men Creation Line) into the layered landscape. At times the paint dances on the canvas’ surface; disrupting the eyes’ ability to focus, giving the work a truly mesmerising appeal from its painterly merits.”
Additional winners:
Telstra General Painting Award
Lydia Balbal, Keeping up with the Balbals, 2023
Highly commended:
Bugai Whyoulter, Kartarru (Blue Hills Station, Canning Stock Route Well 24), 2023
Nancy Long Nungarrayi and Rene Long Nungarrai, Pereltye, 2024
Telstra Bark Painting Award
Wurrandan Marawili, Rumbal, the body/the truth, 2023
Highly commended:
Milminyina Dhamarrandji, Dhambadiny – Death Adder, 2023
Telstra Work on Paper Award
Shannon Brett, An Australian Landscape, 2024
Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (Sponsored by Telstra)
Obed Namirrkki, Kunkurra, 2024
Telstra Multimedia Award
Natalie Davey, River report, 2024
Highly commended:
Dhukumul Wanambi, Gurka’wuy, 2024
Telstra Emerging Artist Award
Josina Pumani, Maralinga, 2024
Highly commended:
Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr, Gunga Djama (pandanus work), 2023
Now in its forty-first year, the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the nation, sharing incredible works reflecting the strength of cultures, responses to current affairs and unerring connections to Country. This year, seventy-two finalists from across Australia have their work on display at MAGNT, Darwin NT 0820, until 27 January 2025.
