Steaphan Paton, “White man premonitions”, 2013. (Still/detail) Digital video © The Artist
Visitors to the exhibition will experience an extraordinary diversity, ranging from works that are representative of current contemporary art practice to works which reinterpret and reclaim traditional modes and imagery in new and exciting ways.
The Awards reflect the vibrant Indigenous arts community and continuing cultural practice in Victoria and challenge the stereotypical notions of Aboriginal art.
This major award and accompanying exhibition is designed to promote the greater recognition of Victorian Indigenous artists who are living, working and inspired by Australia’s Southeastern region. With a prize pool of over $50 000, it is the state’s largest Indigenous art award and this year it is hoped to reach its widest audience yet.
The Victorian Indigenous Art Awards is a Victorian Government program delivered through Arts Victoria and presented by the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
“This year the Awards and accompanying exhibition will be hosted at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the largest and most prestigious venue to date, which not only helps to build the profile of the Awards but gives shortlisted artists the opportunity to show their work to new and diverse audiences.”[1] highlighted Ms Victoria.
The judging panel who consisted of Margo Neale (Senior Indigenous Curatorial Fellow at the National Museum Australia), Lee-Ann Buckskin (Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council), and Director of the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Gordon Morrison, described the winning work as one “of singular spiritual power.”[2]
SOURCES: The Victorian Arts Awards website
References
[1] http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/About_Us/News/2013/Victorian_Indigenous_Art_Awards_%E2%80%93_shortlist_announced
[2] http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/8326-2013-victorian-indigenous-art-awards-winners-announced.html