Established in 1984, The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) has been providing a platform for the diverse practices of Indigenous artists for 35 years.
Awarding a total of $80,000 in non-acquisitive prizes, the awards aims to showcase the very best Indigenous art from around Australia. In addition to the main $50,000 Telstra Art Award prize , prizes are awarded in six specific categories, across multiple art disciplines including bark painting, general painting, three-dimensions works, multimedia, emerging art and a people’s choice award.
From more than 300 entries, the top prize this year was awarded to Gunybi Ganambarr, from the remote community of Gan Gan in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Ganambarr’s work, Buyku, is an intricate etching on aluminium board. Described by the judges as ‘a commanding and powerful work’ this intensely detailed painting illustrates the artist’s deep knowledge of culture and ceremony.
In addition to the main award, each category winner was awarded a $5,000 prize. Above, peruse our overview of highlights from the 66 diverse finalists, and below, the winners are announced!