Solomon Booth has taken out the prestigious Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, receiving $5000 in prize money for his lino print on paper titled Coconut Palm Tree.
The winner of the coveted Gab Titui Cultural Centre’s Indigenous Art Award was announced on Thursday, June 24, by Torres Strait Regional Authority Portfolio Member for Culture, Arts and Heritage Mr Philemon Mosby.
It was awe-inspiring to see the depth of artistic talent that exists in the region. Not only do I congratulate our winner, Solomon Booth of Kubin Village on Moa Island, but I also commend everyone who entered the Art Awards, Mr Mosby said.
Mr Booth is also the Chairperson of the recently established Ngalmun Lagau Minaral Art Centre on Moa Island, which provides services to artists from both Kubin and St Pauls Communities. Winning this year’s award acknowledges the talent within this new art centre, said Mr Mosby.
Runner-Up was Yessie Mosby of Masig Island, for his piece titled Umai Kraal Dog Mask, taking home a prize of $2000.
Sub-category winners were:
Best Craft Work ($500): Nigel Waia (Saibai);
Best Cultural Artefact ($500): William Akee (Mer);
Best Work on Paper/Canvas ($500): Tony Harry (Warraber);
Best Secondary Work ($500): Taicee Pearson (Iama).
Highly Commended awards: Joseph Au (Badu); Ella Savage (Erub); Franklin Mye (Erub); Sedey Stephen (Erub); Cynthia Enosa (Saibai); and James Ahmat (Badu).
Commended awards: Jimmy Morrison (Thursday Island); Ephraim Whap (Kubin Village, Moa); Aiona Morseu (Badu); Sandra Pilot (Thursday Island); Constance Saveka (St Pauls, Moa); and Conwell Tabuai (Saibai).
The Award aims to showcase the quality of Torres Strait Island art, whilst giving local artists professional experience in exhibition protocol.
