An artist from Western Australia’s Top End has won this year’s Wyndham Art Prize.
Katjarra Butler wowed Deakin University judge Brian Martin with her painting, which he said drew him back to it again and again.
The 70-year-old Pintupi woman was born in Kuun, in far northern WA, and lived a totally nomadic lifestyle, consuming the animals the family hunted and bush food they collected.
Her traditional family group was related to the Pintupi Nine, otherwise known as the Lost Tribe, which left the desert as recently as the 1980s.
Ms Butler, who cannot speak English, travelled from her home in the northern part of WA with her daughter, Sally Butler, and her art centre’s manager, Hayley Birchley, to appear at last week’s exhibition opening.
About 200 people came to admire the work of 74 shortlisted artists. Works included videos, paintings, sculptures and even two unusual dresses, one of which transforms to a tent.
More than 140 works were submitted to this year’s Wyndham Art Prize from artists all over Australia and as far afield as Japan and Germany.
Wyndham councillor Bob Fairclough said the Wyndham Art Prize was attracting more artists after making its debut last year.
“Wyndham is most fortunate to have such prominent artists exhibiting in our municipality,” he said.
“Our local residents can also see some of the best of Australia’s contemporary art available in our very own gallery.”
The Wyndham Art Prize exhibition is at the Wyndham Art Gallery, 177 Watton Street, Werribee, until May 1.
