Brian Robinson from Waiben (Thursday Island) in the Torres Strait, has won the People’s Choice Award of $5,000 in the Western Australian Indigenous Art Awards 2013. He received the highest number of votes from the public; Anangu man, Ray Ken from Tjala Arts and Pilbara woman Minyawe Miller from Martumuli Artists were second and third respectively.
Brian Robinson is a multi-disciplinary contemporary artist and curator, whose practice includes printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation, and design. His work embodies the customs and traditions of his Torres Strait Islander community whilst also referencing mythological narratives from various global cultures. His commitment to experimentation results in works that cross the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Mr Robinson was also this year’s recipient of the top WA Indigenous Art Award of $50,000. Stefano Carboni, Director of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, congratulated Robinson and pointed out: This is the first occasion in the history of the Awards, founded in 2008, where the overall winner has also been awarded the People’s Choice. Our audiences clearly responded to his innovative approach in contemporary storytelling of important cultural narratives. Brian’s continued success is testament to the vision and unique presentation of the ideas and narratives within his work.
Meanwhile, Brian Robinson is currently the featured artist on the Mossenson Galleries stand at Art Stage Singapore. It runs from 16 to 19 January. Robinson’s contribution to Art Stage will include a rare installation of his sculptural blooms as well as the premiere presentation of a series of newly editioned prints.
And in Perth, the WA Gallery is showing Brian Robinson’s thought-provoking works along with those of the fifteen other finalists in this year’s Awards, until 27 January. After cuts by the State’s conservative government, it won’t be hosting the next Awards until 2015.
