Darwin prepares for hot August nights as Indigenous art fever takes hold. APOLLINE KOHEN reports. 

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

1 August–26 October 2008

Winner announced: Makinti Napanangka from Kintore in the Northern Territory has been awarded Australia’s premier Indigenous art prize at the 25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

Every August, Darwin becomes the centre of attention for lovers of Indigenous art. A wide range of satellite events and exhibitions take place to coincide with the announcement of the winners of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA). This year, NATSIAA celebrates its 25th anniversary and the more than 100 artworks on display offer an exciting snapshot of the latest production of Indigenous art in both traditional and contemporary media. Over the quarter century, the Awards have witnessed the changing face of contemporary Indigenous art practice.

Image: Makinti Napanangka, Untitled, synthetic polymer paint on linen, h 122 x w 137 cm, winner Telstra Award, 25th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award 2008. Image courtesy of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

To read more of this item and others, subscribe now or simply order Issue 16 of AAR by clicking here.