Koorie Art Show 12 winners announced

The Koorie Art Show is Koorie Heritage Trust’s annual open entry exhibition showcasing the diverse talent of Koorie and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in Victoria.

From 121 entries ranging from painting, works on paper and photography to sculpture, multi media, fibre art and more, this year’s Creative Victoria Award for Excellence in any Media was awarded to Richard Young (Gunditjmara, Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung) for his painting Gunditjmarra Marking, receiving a cash prize of $10,000. In his artist statement Young states, “My piece is to be referred to as Gunditjmarra art, not Aboriginal art. I reject the imposed colonial artistic narratives and the self-serving authority of those who claim expertise over our culture without respect and depth of understanding. Gunditjmarra markings are much older than the dot art forms on canvas which have long been dictated as what is ‘authentic’ through a white-dominated lens. The 1872 Gunditjmarra possum skin is an expression of Gunditjmarra data sovereignty. I’ve recreated one marking on this canvas, but its meaning belongs to the wearer, reflecting just one story in our cultural tapestry.”

Richard Young, Gunditjmarra Marking

Creative Victoria Award for Excellence in any Media – $10,000: Richard Young (Gunditjmara, Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung) Gunditjmarra Marking, 2024, synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Photograph: Christian Capurro

Additional Koorie Art Show 12 award winners, each receiving a cash prize from a total pool of $40,000, are:

City of Melbourne Aboriginal Melbourne Award, $5,000
Josh Deane, Nelson Baker, 2024

Lendlease Reconciliation Award, $5,000
Steven Rhall, ‘Better Call Rhall’ artist services, 2024

Viva Energy Australia 3D Award, $5,000
Sean Miller, Birrubirruu, 2024

Viva Energy Australia and ComfortDelGro Australia Award, $5,000
Lyn Thorpe, Dhamala Woka – Grandfather Country [Yorta Yorta Language], 2024

RMIT University Emerging Artist Award, $5,000
Fiona Burns, Aboriginal flag eel net, 2023–24

Josh Muir Digital Art Award, $3,000
Sarah Cvk, Did you forget? The trees have bark! 2024

KHT Encouragement Award, $500
Lucinda Johnson-Cornes, We know we must move, 2024

This year, the Koorie Art Show 12 and Koorie Art Show Young Mob 7 judging panel, comprising Belinda Briggs (Yorta Yorta and Wamba Wamba), Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan, Kamilaroi and D’harawal) and Kate Ten Buuren (Taungurung), said:

“The vast array of works; diverse in mediums, artists’ interests and stories, celebrate the rich and unique identities of First Peoples in Victoria. We feel privileged to share in the knowledges and storytelling of so many talented artists, and admire the technical mastery, creative exploration and cultural expression present in each and every one of the works. We were drawn to works that were not only poignant and reflective of the complex social, political, and cultural landscapes of today but also embodied powerful truth-telling – speaking to overcoming, survival, and hope. We enjoyed explorations of humour, assertions of sovereignty, and were empowered by the irrepressible spirit exuding from our Elders and senior artists. The Kids and Young People Awards were equally impressive, and we were moved by the skill, storytelling and experimentation of different mediums from young ones. It was encouraging to see the joyful expressions of identity and creativity through these works. It has been a privilege to witness and honour the immense talent and stories of the artists in this year’s Awards. Choosing the award recipients was no easy task, as every work stood as a testament to the spirit, resilience, creativity, connections and cultural pride of our community, and we congratulate everyone who entered a work and shares in the uplifting opportunity that the Koorie Art Show is.”

The Koorie Art Show 12 is open to public viewing at Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne, from 7 December 2024 to 23 February 2025. The Koorie Heritage Trust People’s Choice Award $1,000 will be announced at the close of the exhibition. All works entered are exhibited in a salon hang and are available for sale.

koorieheritagetrust.com.au

HELP DESK:
subscribe@artistprofile.com.au | PH: +612 8227 6486