Gary Lee

Robert

Digital image on paper

76 x 98cm

I photographed Robert at his work where I wanted to capture the raw beauty of his strong, intelligent face. There was no need to use anything else but the camera and the available, natural light. I got him to look straight into the lens, with his knowing yet innocent gaze, confident in his world and who he is. I took several dozen shots of him over two separate photo shoots but it was this particular image which I felt presented him to his best advantage.

Reko Rennie (Gwaybilla)

(ab) original & (un) original

Digital print on paper

112 x 150cm

The Southern Cross stars have been hijacked as symbols of intolerance and cultural whitewashing. I have recreated my own version of the stars and placed them in an urban context, alongside a reminder of the original inhabitants of Australia.

Bianca Beetson

Blak Majik Star Woman

Digital photograph on paper

99 x 87cm

This work scrutinizes my identity as a contemporary Aboriginal woman; investigates traditional notions of magic, love, nurture, death, healing and lore. Furthermore investigating the intrinsic links between culture, history and Ancestry buy positioning it within a contemporary context. In addition the works explore my connection to skin in a physical & metaphysical manner.

Brenda Saunders

Looking for Bulinbulin

Digital image on canvas

70 x 50cm

Brenda is an urban Aboriginal artist, activist and writer living in Sydney. Her family are from the Wiradjuri Nation on the western plains of NSW. Her grandmother was born near Bathurst, but was removed from her family as one of the Stolen Generations. As a visual artist Brenda uses digital imaging technologies to project past and current Aboriginal issues into the public arena. Her work is collected in State, National and International galleries.

Aroha Groves

Connections2

Virtual art

Dimensions variable

Connections2 looks at the connections between all of us - the different places we come from across the continent. It speaks to our connections to country, so important to us. Of course it also refers to digital connections, and how the different digital mediums can be used together. I am hoping this piece may inspire
more of our people to create works in similar environments, because the possibilities are endless.

Bindi Cole

Laura

Photographic pigment print on rag paper

100 x 120cm

The term ‘Sistagirl’ is used to describe a transgender person in Tiwi Island culture. Traditionally, the term was Yimpininni. The very existence of the word provides some indication of the inclusive attitudes historically extended towards Aboriginal sexual minorities. Colonisation not only wiped out many Indigenous
people, it also had an impact on Aboriginal culture and understanding of sexual and gender expression. As Catholicism took hold and many traditions were lost, this term became a thing of the past.

Nawurapu Wunungmurra

Mokuy

Mixed media

Dimensions variable

Telstra New Media Winner and People’s Choice Winner

The mokuy or nanuk (spirits) come in together, Dhuwa and Yirritja, to the sacred ground called Balambala, past Gangan, on the other side for all the mokuy to get together. The spirits go there and that’s where they make the yidaki sound. It’s like showing Yukuwa, (sacred yam emblem) and Morning Star feathers; they are different. The same goes with yidaki, different sounds for Yirritja and Dhuwa. The Yirritja and Dhuwa play yidaki to call in the mokuy to the same ground Balambala. The Yirritja mokuy come in on the birds djilawurr (scub fowl) and bugutj-bugutj (banded fruit dove). The Dhuwa mokuy , they come in from rangi side (saltwater).