Midden, 2016, buff raku, porcelain, ceramic grog, Goulburn river (Kaiela) terracotta, Red River Gum leaves and grasses, campfire charcoal, bark, 250 x 150 x 65cm. Photo: Christian Capurro.
Midden – An occupation site where Aboriginal people left the remains of their meals over many generations and sometimes thousands of years. This ceramic installation work that references the now destroyed midden that existed for many years beside the river in Mooroopna – near the deep water hole (Code Hole).
The Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) was established under the patronage of acclaimed artist Dr Gloria Thanakupi Fletcher, this Award celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous artists and acknowledges the special industry of ceramic art. As an acquisitive award it contributes to the Art Museum’s significant holdings of Australian and International ceramic art.
Shepparton Art Museum’s 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) is the fourth in the series of this biennial event. Established under the patronage of acclaimed artist Dr Gloria Thanakupi Fletcher, the ICAA celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous Australian artists and acknowledges the special industry of ceramic art.
Shepparton Art Museum advised that the judges were looking for a work that was innovative, challenging, exciting and would intrigue while exploring and extending the medium of ceramics.
Judge’s comments:
“ The 2016 ICAA showcased an outstanding calibre of entrants reflecting the sophistication of Indigenous ceramic art practice around the nation. This made judging difficult, requiring a very considered approach.
While the award is a ceramic award, it is also an Indigenous ceramic award. This meant that works needed to extend the ceramic medium, and also reflect the artist’s perspective as an Indigenous person and their cultural expression. The ceramic medium needed to enhance the telling of this story. Each of the works in this year’s award tells a unique story that is very personal to each of the artists, arts collectives and the community they come from, generously sharing aspects of their lives, identity, country and creation stories.”
Judges: Tom Mosby, CEO, Koorie Heritage Trust Inc; Kimberley Moulton, Senior Curator South Eastern Australian Collections, Melbourne Museum; and Dr Rebecca Coates, Director, Shepparton Art Museum.
The 2016 ICAA shortlisted artists were:
• Kaiela Arts Artists, Yorta Yorta (VIC)
• Jack Anselmi
• Cynthia Hardie
Ernabella Potters, Pukatja Community – Pitjantjatjara Language (SA)
• Alison Milyika Carroll
• Elizabeth Dunn
• Rupert Jack
• Lynette Lewis
• Rachael Mipantjiti Lionel
• Janelle Muwitja Nakamarra Thompson
• Fiona Wells
• Tjimpuna Williams
• Janet Fieldhouse, Torres Strait (QLD)
• Deanne Gilson, Wadawurrung/ Wathaurung (VIC)
• Sean Miller, Kamilaroi (NSW)
• Raymond Young, Gunnai / Yorta Yorta/ Gunditjmara (VIC)
• Alison Murray, Girramay (QLD)
The ICAA is developed in partnership with the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, Margaret Lawrence Bequest and Mr Allan Myers AC QC and is generously supported by Fairer Futures Fund / Australian Communities Foundation.
Useful information: http://www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/news-item/!/374/post/2016-indigenous-ceramic-art-award-icaa-winner-announced
