Ron Bradfield Jnr becomes first Indigenous artist to win Napier Waller Art Prize
Ron Bradfield Jnr won the Napier Waller Art Prize for a sculpture that shows military service through First Nations eyes.
Ron Bradfield Jnr's sculpture beat about 150 other entries to win the first Indigenous Napier Waller Art Prize. Titled 'Who We Forgot', the work uses kangaroo skin, carved shells and wood to honour First Nations survival stories.
The former Australian Defence Force member says it challenges viewers to see the continent through the eyes of First Nations people. The medals in his work are made from white ochre and pearl shells from saltwater and freshwater country.
The exhibition opened Thursday at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Head of art at the memorial, Laura Webster, said judges were drawn to its focus on truth, past and present, and its power to bring people together.
- About 150
- Competing entries
- First Indigenous artist to win
- First of kind
- Australian War Memorial, Canberra
- Exhibition location
- $5,000
- People's choice prize
Why it mattersAn Indigenous voice winning a major Defence art prize signals a shift in how military culture acknowledges First Nations perspectives and experiences.
AustraliaAustralian cultural institutions are giving greater prominence to Indigenous artists and perspectives in major awards and exhibitions.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 16 h ago
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