Mabel Juli, Garnkeny Ngarranggarni, 2010,
natural pigments and synthetic binder on canvas, 100 x 140cm.
Collection of the Daffodil and Daisy Superannuation Fund, Perth.
© Courtesy the artist and Warmun Art Centre
The Kate Challis RAKA Award is an annual award valued at $25 000 recognising Indigenous creative artists across the fields of prose, drama, script-writing, poetry and of course the focus of this year’s prize, the visual arts. This prestigious invitation only award has been dedicated to the development of Indigenous artistic practice since 1988. It follows a five-year cycle and was established by Professor Emeritus Bernard Smith in memory of his late wife Kate Challis (formerly known as Ruth Adeney – RAKA stands for Ruth Adeney Koori Award).
Curated by Joanna Bosse and Suzette Wearne Under the Sun features works produced within the last five years by nine short-listed artists across diverse media. The dynamic exhibition presents works by emerging and established artists from both remote and urban areas. Those shortlisted are: Mabel Juli (WA), Teresa Baker (SA), Daniel Boyd (Qld/NSW), Hector Burton (SA), Timothy Cook (Tiwi/NT), Alick Tipoti (TSI/QLD), Garawan Wanambi (NT), Regina Pilawuk Wilson (NT) and the late Kunmarnanya Mitchell (WA).
This year’s judging panel (consisting of Tony Birch, Elizabeth Heathcote, Alison Inglis, Jolanta Nowak (chair) and Bala Starr) have described the works on exhibition as ‘impressive’, ‘innovative’ and ‘complex’; ‘There is an exciting energy about both the individual works and between all the works as they collectively reflect on an intricate range of histories and cultures’. Works present a contemporary re-visioning and revitalization of traditional customs whilst challenging audience perceptions of country and identity.
Previous recipients of the award include: Gali Gurruwiwi (2009), Ricky Maynard (2003), Brook Andrew (1998) and Lin Onus (1993).
Sources: Ian Potter Museum of Art, Judges’ Report (The University of Melbourne Australian Centre)