CELEBRATING and supporting the rich and diverse use of ceramic medium by Indigenous artists, the pre-eminent Indigenous Ceramic Awards (ICA) was officially opened at the Shepparton Art Museum on Saturday, October 8.
Beginning with a stirring Welcome to Country performed by Yorta Yorta elder, Aunty Greta Morgan and followed by opening remarks from Hannah Presley, senior curator at the University of Melbourne’s Museums and Collections, the 2022 recipients of the ICA were announced.
Taking the top honours for the 2022, $20K Major Acquisitive Prize was Pitjantjatjara artistsit, Anne Nginyangka Thompson for her stoneware vase, Strong Family Connection.
A previous ICA winner in 2014 for her piece, Ngayuku Nguru, Anne’s Strong Family Connection is an elongated stoneware vase with several vignettes etched into the surface, reminiscent of traditional blue willow, fine china patterns and reflects her deep appreciation of nature.
Winning the $5k South-East Australian Aboriginal Artist Prize was Gamilaroi artist, Sean Miller for his striking large ceramic vessel adorned with a wood snake entitled Galibaay on Country. Sean was also an ICA finalist in 2016 for his work, Songlines in the Sky.
With 19 finalists in the seventh iteration of the awards, the judging panel consisted of Museum’s Victoria senior curator, Kimbereley Moulton, leading contemporary artist, Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and artist and 2018 ICA finalist, Penny Evans.
In applauding the prize-winning works the judges said,
“Anne’s work was visually, aesthetically, and technically resolved, with a remarkable complexity in its depiction of the mapping and connection to country. It held an energy that captivated each of us.
“Sean’s work had presence, and the depth of the carving impressed us. As an artist, Sean is confident and has sound knowledge in materiality. The work has a playfulness to it and was a strong reflection of the iconography of his country.”
