The Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) exhibition is a remarkable showcase of contemporary art from all corners of Australia, featuring works by both emerging and established Aboriginal artists. As Australia's most prestigious and richest art awards, this exhibition draws the attention of the entire nation, presenting an inspiring array of artistic talent from Indigenous communities across the country.
In a noteworthy achievement, Yindjibarndi Elder Alice Guiness, a Juluwarlu Artist, has been named a finalist for the second consecutive year in the prestigious Darwin-based awards. Her outstanding artwork "Burndud 2021," crafted with synthetic polymer paint and drip stick on canvas, measures 150 x 119 cm and secured its place as a finalist in the Telstra General Painting Award category.
Born in Gooda Binya and currently residing in Ieramugadu/Roebourne, Alice Guiness holds a deep connection to her Yindjibarndi heritage. Her artistic journey flourishes in collaboration with the Juluwarlu Art Group, where she dedicates herself to painting daily. Alice's art is imbued with the essence of the Burndud circle, a vital element in Yindjibarndi law and culture, symbolizing an essential song and dance. Her distinctive artistic style allows her to explore the Burndud circle's symbolism through various creative expressions, creating a powerful narrative that reflects her ancestral Birdarra Law—a cherished and exclusive heritage of the Yindjibarndi people.
The 2022 judging panel comprised renowned experts in the art world. Dr. Joanna Barrkman, the Curator of Charles Darwin University Art Collection and Art Gallery, and Myles Russell-Cook, Senior Curator of Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), brought their expertise to the selection process.
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary Indigenous art, Alice Guiness' recognition as a finalist in the NATSIAA Telstra General Painting Category serves as a testament to the enduring power and cultural significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices within the visual arts. Through her art, Alice continues to enrich and preserve the Yindjibarndi heritage while inspiring the broader artistic community with her creativity and dedication.
View the Virtual Gallery here. Congrats Alice!
