Brian Robinson from Waiben (Thursday Island), Queensland, has won the People’s Choice Award of $5,000 in the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards 2013.
Brian Robinson received the highest number of votes from the public; Ray Ken and Minyawe Miller were awarded second and third place respectively.
Brian Robinson is a multi-disciplinary contemporary artist whose practice includes printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation, and design. His work embodies the customs and traditions of his Torres Strait Islander community whilst also referencing mythological narratives from various global cultures. His commitment to experimentation results in works that cross the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Mr Robinson was also this year’s recipient of the Western Australian Indigenous Art Award of $50,000. This is the first occasion in the history of the Awards, founded in 2008, where the overall winner has also been awarded the People’s Choice.
The Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards, the richest Indigenous arts prize in the country, is a national award which celebrates the breadth, diversity and excellence of art from all corners of Indigenous Australia. The awards acknowledge the significant and ongoing contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists make to Australian art, culture and society. Since its inception, over 850 nominations have been received from arts organisations and professionals from across Australia.
Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Until January 17, 2014
Perth
Brian Robinson , …and meanwhile back on earth the blooms continue to flourish, 2013, wood, plastic, steel, synthetic polymer paint, feathers, plant fibre and shell, 200 x 350 x 50cm
Artwork courtesy of the artist and Mossenson Galleries
© the artist, courtesy of Mossenson Galleries
