Gunybi Ganambarr, Yolŋu Matha, Gängan, NT, Buyku, etching on alunimium board, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

JUDGES COMMENTS: 

‘Buyku by Gunybi Ganambarr is a commanding and powerful work which illustrates the artist’s deep knowledge of culture and ceremony. Ganambarr’s command of materials and processes have resulted in a work that actively engages the viewer physically, intellectually and emotionally. Buyku speaks to the coming together of the Dhalwangu clan for fish trap ceremonies and how these ceremonies unite Yolngu. The work honours Ganambarr’s forebears, specifically his Dhalwangu mari or grandfathers, who are represented through a weave of etched forms depicting water and fish traps. Buyku speaks to the attainment of cultural knowledge over time, and the artist’s own journey, which he generously shares through his brave and exacting practice.’

Napuwarri Marawili, Yolŋu Matha, Yilpara, NT, Baraltja Dugong Yathikpa, natural pigments on Stringybark, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

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JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘This grand bark by Napuwarri Marawili shares important knowledge around hunting, respect of sacred places and the enactment of lore and custom. The bark’s lively and active surface physically mirrors the cautionary narrative of the work; this painting of treacherous water feels dangerous. The work displays a singular confidence which reflects the bringing together of Marawili’s cultural knowledge and consummate skill as a painter.’

Peter Mungkuri, Yankunytjatjara, Indulkana, SA, Ngura (Country), ink and synthetic polymer paint on linen, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

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JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘Peter Mungkuri’s Ngura is a quiet, poetic and painterly work which both encourages and rewards sustained viewing. Mungkuri’s deep knowledge of Country is shared confidently, yet with a restraint that demands a deliberate slowing of pace. The work’s composition, with its multiple perspectives and shifting pictorial planes, leads the viewer through passages of time and space which speak of the artist’s experience of ngura, his custodial inheritance, and his responsibilities to care for his homeland.’

Kathy Inkamala, Western Aranda, Mparntwe (Alice Springs), NT, Mount Gillen, Western MacDonnell Ranges, pigment ink and gouache on Arches 300gsm cold-press paper, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘Kathy Inkamala’s Mount Gillen, Western MacDonnell Ranges elegantly captures the mood and personality of the landscape she knows so well; its topography and rugged, undulating forms, and the way in which its colour changes and responds to light at different times of the day. The artist’s fine draughtsmanship, attention to detail and the intimate scale of the work conveys her deep connection to and knowledge of Country and her awe of and respect for this commanding landscape.’

Wukun Wanambi, Yolŋu matha, Yirrkala, NT, Destiny, earth pigments on natural pigments on Stringybark pole and video, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

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JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘Destiny by Wukun Wanambi embodies belonging. This commanding work exemplifies Wanambi’s signature approach to creating elegant larrakitj, which retain the unique qualities of their unworked natural forms. The larrakitj, evocative soundtrack and animation of small fish circling between the poles, speak to finding our place in the world, and to Wanambi’s ongoing experimentation into ways of sharing Yolngu culture.’

Matthew Dhamuliya Gurruwiwi, Galpu, Warruwi, NT, Banumbirr (Morning Star Poles), natural pigments, feathers, bush string, bush wax and Milkwood, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘Matthew Gurruwiwi’s Banumbirr are a powerful embodiment of the continuation of cultural practice but equally, of the ability of younger artists to find their own ways to innovate and reimagine within their inheritance. While honouring the significance of Banumbirr as a creator ancestor, through these works, Guruwiwi brings a sense of individuality, presence and joyful exuberance. Guruwiwi's Banumbirr has brought with it something new and exciting to an honoured tradition.’

Patrina Liyadurrkitj Mununggurr, Dhuwal, Yirrkala, NT, Dhunupa'kum nhuna wanda (Straightening your mind), film, 2018,Video duration: 1.33 minutes. 2018 Telstra Multimedia Award Winner, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

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JUDGES COMMENTS:

‘Dhunupa’kum nhuna wanda (Straightening your mind) by Patrina Layidurrkitj Mununggurr powerfully conveys the great importance of ceremony for Yolngu people. Simple in its cinematography and choreography, the works focuses on ritual, human movement and the beauty of gapan. Straightening your mind embodies the continuance of cultural tradition for the artist and her community, while attesting to the capacity of younger generations to adapt tradition and ceremony into new forms of storytelling and experience for audiences. The artist’s unwavering gaze invites the viewer into this realm whilst clearly defining the rules of engagement. We are left in no doubt as to the powerful inheritance and importance of ceremony across the generations.’

Freda Brady, Maringka Tunkin, Sandra Ken and Tjungkara Ken and Yaritji Young, Pitjantjatjara, Amata, SA, Seven Sisters, synthetic polymer paint on linen, 35th Telstra NATSIAA

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MAGNT CURATOR ABORIGINAL ART, LUKE SCHOLES, COMMENTS:

‘The Telstra People’s Choice Awards always reveals a work that touches our audience in a very special way. Seven Sisters by the Ken Sisters is epic in scale and composition. Its bombast of colour is highly emotive and contributes to the dramatic story it tries to encapsulate. Audience members have commented on how the subtle figurative elements in this painting beautifully combine with its strong iconography. It is a deserving winner of this Award and the success of this collaboration is testament to the talent, kinship and country these strong women share.’