The Tom Price community this year held our second annual Jundunmunnah NAIDOC Art Exhibition. This event showcases the amazing art and talent of our local Indigenous artists who reside in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, and surrounding communities.
This community initiative has art available for sale. All proceeds from the artifacts, paintings, photography, sculptures and fashion designs sold, go directly to the artists with no sales commissions taken.
Since its inauguration last year, AAC has had a representative to assist with the judging of the artwork. Last year, our Employment Engagement Officer (EEO) Ottillia formed part of the judging panel, and this year the spot was taken by our Workforce Development Manager, Rohan Corpus.
He was initially reluctant to accept this privilege, but he warmed to the idea as his cultural heritage, along with his global experience gave him an appreciation for both philosophy and artistic flare.
The judging of this year’s National Aboriginal & Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) art exhibition was tough, having to critique the selection of finalists with their style of artistic inspiration. Nonetheless, Rohan like the other judges, had strict guidelines to follow in evaluating and interpreting artists’ impressions while ensuring parity in assessment.
With a total of 50 art pieces on display, not counting the numerous items of jewellery, sculptures and carvings available, it was a tough job being a judge.
The judging was completed before the official opening of the exhibition, which was a lavish affair. Held at the BNTAC (Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation) building, we had dancers twirling fire, a scrumptious selection of finger foods, and inspirational speeches by local elders, the night was definitely one to remember.
Congratulations to our 2023 Category Winners:
Wintawarri Guruma Aboriginal Corporation Judges Choice
Brandon Cook | Untouch Soil
Winner Brandon Cook
Wintawarri Guruma Aboriginal Corporation Mixed Media
Lavina Nona | Journey
Peter Foster MLC Youth Award
Kruize Ryder | Mangroves and Mudcrabs
Highly Commended
Joanne Nangala | Yuparli Bush Banana Dreaming
Brillea Alec | Millstream Memories
Gnarligaru Mabai Gul (People’s Choice) Award
Joanne Nangala| Yuparli Bush Banana Dreaming
A big Thank You to all sponsors for making the second annual 5-week art exhibition a successful one! The sponsors include Tom Price Arts Hub, IBN, AAC, BNTAC, Rio Tinto, Department of communities, Wintawarru Guruma Aboriginal Corporation, TPYSA, Peter Forster MLA, Nintirri Centre and Sodexo.