Griffith University Art Museum (GUAM) is delighted to present the King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award from 14 September to 14 October 2023.
The King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award is a biennial competition that supports, showcases, and celebrates the highest standard of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice in Australia. Initiated by KWM in 2018, the inaugural exhibition was held in Sydney, and the second in Melbourne in 2020/21.
Now in its third iteration and held in Brisbane and in partnership with Griffith University Art Museum for the first time, the exhibition includes 28 finalist works from remote, regional, and urban Australia, demonstrating the outstanding contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to Australian culture. Artists include Adam Gibbs Tjapaltjarri, Amy Loogatha, Bob Gibson, Brian Robinson, Cameron Ross, d Harding, Donovan Gilbert, Fiona Mosby, Freddy Purla, Jeanette James, Jennifer Herd, Joanne Currie Nalingu, Joanne Napangardi Wheeler, Jonathan World Peace Bush, Keemon Williams, Kim Napurrula, Louise Daniels, Mary Dhapalany, Matilda Nona, Nyinta Donald, Paula Savage, Ray Mudjandi and Rona Rubuntja, Reggie Uluru, Richard Bell, Ryan Presley, Sally M Nangala Mulda, Solomon Booth, Teena McCarthy.
GUAM Director Angela Goddard says: “It is an honour to host the third King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award at Griffith University Art Museum and share with the public a diverse selection of works by leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”
The distinguished judging panel includes renowned First Nations journalist, writer, documentary maker, broadcaster and sound artist, Daniel Browning, writer, project manager and consultant Emma Loban, Curator Indigenous Australian Art QAGOMA, Katina Davidson, and artist, researcher, curator, and cultural scholar, Warraba Weatherall. The Exhibition Patron Djon Mundine OAM is a highly accomplished curator, writer, artist, and activist.
Winners of the major King & Wood Mallesons First Nations Art Award ($25,000), the QLD Local Artist Award ($5,000), and two People’s Choice Awards ($1,000 each) will be announced on 14 September.
Artist Talks: Saturday 16 September 2-4pm.
Griffith University Art Museum acknowledges the generosity of our Program Supporters ARIA Developments, Lock, Stock and Barrel, Newstead Brewery and Wattyl.
Image: Ray Mudjandi and Rona Rubuntja, Black Speed, 2023, Terracotta and underglaze, 32 x 23 x 23 cm. Image courtesy of the artist and Marrawuddi Arts and Culture.
