2023 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize Awards
The 2023 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize Awards took place on Thursday, 6th July, coinciding with NAIDOC Week celebrations. The vibrant cocktail event, held at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery and Barracks, showcased the talents of 48 artists from across the region.
Initiated fourteen years ago by the visionary Marvin McKenzie Senior, the Malka Aboriginal Art Prize was conceived as an annual event aimed at providing a dedicated space for the Aboriginal community to exhibit their artwork. "Malka," a word meaning mark or painting used by various Aboriginal language groups in the Port Augusta region, represents the essence of the prestigious art prize.
The 2023 exhibition attracted 48 entries from the far north, mid north, and Eyre Peninsula regions and offered a $20,000 grand prize.
Recognising the significance of the Malka Aboriginal Art Prize, John Banks, CEO of Port Augusta City Council, highlighted its impact on Aboriginal artists' exposure and career development. "This art prize has gained a well-deserved reputation throughout the region, serving as a crucial platform for emerging Aboriginal artists to gain recognition. Previous winners have gone on to exhibit their works across South Australia and the nation."
Mayor Linley Shine stated "The Malka Aboriginal Art Prize offers artists young and old a valuable opportunity to be seen and appreciated, with their artworks proudly displayed in a regional art gallery. It also further positions Port Augusta as a hub for Aboriginal arts and culture."
Janine Gray, an artist from Ceduna, was announced as the 2023 winner of the Malka Aboriginal Art Prize with her captivating artwork titled "Skeletal Fish".
Inspired by her love of fishing and the enchanting world of the sea, through intricate dot patterns, Janine’s artwork depicted the essence of the sea, incorporating shades of light green, light blue, and dark green to capture its vibrant and changing nature. Janine’s artwork also won the Elder category award.
Presten Warren, hailing from Port Lincoln, emerged as the recipient of the People's Choice accolade, a total of 140 individuals cast their votes in favour of Preston and his artwork named "Munda," representing the profound concept of connecting with the Earth by walking barefoot in nature.
A talented student from Port Lincoln High School, Kaysharne Coleman was honoured with the Youth Award. Her painting titled “Family” portrayed the bond she shares with her family and symbolised their connection, often traveling to and from Ceduna to reunite with one another.
The finalists and winners announced in all categories are as follows:
Youth Award ($1,000): Sponsored by Uniting Country SA
- Callista & Nilkylah Likouresis
- Kaysharne Coleman
- William Michael Clifton
- WINNER: Kaysharne Coleman
Elder Award ($2,500): Sponsored by NIAA
- Janine Gray
- Dawn Likouresis
- Christine Tschuna
- WINNER: Janine Gray
People's Choice Award ($2,500): Sponsored by KU Arts
- Sharlisha Roderick Varcoe
- Mukai Wintinna
- Presten Warren
- Lorraine Ferguson
- WINNER: Presten Warren
2023 Malka Aboriginal Art Prize ($20,000)
- Christine Tschuna
- Dawn Likouresis
- Janine Gray
- Cameron Ross
- WINNER: Janine Gray
The 2023 Malka Art Exhibition and awards would not be possible without the support and sponsorship from Bungala Solar Farms (Enel Green Power), Uniting Country SA, NIAA, KU Arts.
The Malka Aboriginal Art exhibition is open at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery, located at 6 Beauchamp Lane, Port Augusta, until Saturday 15th July 2023.
For further information please contact Port Augusta City Council Media and Communications Officer 8641 9100.
JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
7/07/2023