First Nations Art Awards 2023

Art tells the story of our landscapes, and connects us to our identity, our country, and our people. The 2022 First Nations Art Competition aims to allow artists from the 28 Nations in our area to share their art with others, and be recognised for their incredible talent.

We acknowledge the 28 Nations in the Southern Queensland Landscapes area including: Auburn Hawkwood, Badjiri, Barunggam, Bidjara, Bigambul, Boonthamurra/Bunthamarra, Budjiti, Djaku-nde/Jangerie Jangerie, Euahlayi/Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay/Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi, Giabul, Githabul, Kambuwal, Gunggari, Kooma, Iman, Jarowair, Kullilli, Kungardutyi, Punthamara, Kunja, Mandandanji, Mardigan, Morrawarri/Murrawarri, Palpamudramudra Yandrawandra, Wakka Wakka, Wangkumarra/Wongkumara, Western Bundjalung, and Western Wakka Wakka Nations.

2023 Grand Prize Winner

'Mandan' by Robert Manns

‘I am a Mandandanji man from Roma in south west Queensland. I am exploring technology, existing and emerging, to express my culture. I am working to express visual Aboriginal art in new and exciting forms using all the tools available to me. I hope others find my artwork to be engaging and provoking.’

‘Mandandanji people are the fishing net people. The background looks ancient and represents my connection to my country and culture. The fishing net represents my relationship with the Mandandanji people. It is mostly formed but in places it is torn and frayed. I feel that I may need to repair parts of my relationship with my people.’

‘The sometimes vivid, but somewhat traditional colours represent my emotions as I deal with my past and future.’

Take a look at the other 2023 competition winners.