ARTIST Maitland Hill took out first prize in the 2019 Bindjareb Art Awards at Mandurah Art Gallery with Kaartdjin Nyoongar Maarman – Wise men.
Many years ago, elders would gather for sacred mens’ ceremonies and corroborees.
Maitland’s inspiration came from an old original photograph and he used pyrography to burn out the wood for an authentic richness.
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READ NOW“At times I felt like they were going to walk out of the image,” he said
“The work was created as a symbolic representation of our cultural authenticity as Noongar people.”
“Australia is the only country that does not have a treaty with traditional owners.”
He said the work was his visual representation and tribute to the Noongar culture and history.
“For me this is a dreaming story and art work that shows truth through story, art, culture and corroboree dance” he said.
The exhibition of new works is created especially for the acquisitive award that contributes to a growing indigenous art collection for the City of Mandurah.
It runs until July 21.