Rosalind Noor's oil painting, The Sovereign has been awarded this year's Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize. The work emerged in the aftermath of the referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament and explores themes of Indigenous sovereignty and post-coloniality.
Inspired by Farid al-Din Attar's poem The Conference of the Birds, The Sovereign is filled with an abundance of symbolic references for the viewer to unpack. Noor has skilfully woven Australian flora and fauna together with references to 15th-16th century Persian and Mughal miniature paintings.
While the work draws on deep traditions and symbolism, there is also a profoundly personal dimension to the artwork. After making the work, Noor said: "…I reflected on each of its meanings, and my own position within the broader picture."
"I, myself am a beneficiary of the 20th century assisted passage migration scheme as part of the white Australia policy. My grandparents used this scheme to migrate to Australia, and my mother was born here, and I have Australian citizenship through her. Whilst painting, I wondered whether I was in fact the British Robin, quietly exiting, or what I needed to do to use the unfair advantage that I've received to uplift others - especially the rightful owners of this land."
The exhibition showcases 20 works representing a variety of artistic forms, such as painting, photography, textiles, calligraphy, and mixed media. By uniting a diverse group of artists, it seeks to honour the vibrant cultures of the Australian Muslim community and promote a deeper appreciation of the connections between art, faith, and identity.
Islamic Museum of Australia Senior Curator, Dr Mahmoud Mohammed said the exhibition is a celebration of artistic expression that transcends boundaries and challenges perceptions.
"We aim to highlight the incredible talent within the Australian Muslim community through this exhibition and to foster an inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds can connect with art that represents the diversity of our nation," Dr Mahmoud said.
La Trobe University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Future Growth) Dr Stacey Farraway, who announced Noor as the winner at the opening night event, said the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize was an important part of La Trobe's partnership with the Museum to promote and support Islamic culture.
"Art can help foster cultural understanding and we're proud to enable a dialogue that supports viewing art as a lens to gain insights into cultural aesthetics, values and traditions," Dr Farraway said.
"The high quality of the many entrants this year is testament to the quality of the Art Prize and we are delighted to congratulate Rosalind Noor on her award for her outstanding artwork The Sovereign."
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Islamic Museum of Australia, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, played an important role in interfaith dialogue and cultural education.
"At a time of increasing polarisation in our society, institutions like the Islamic Museum of Australia play an important role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and support," Professor Farrell said.
"Equity and diversity are core to La Trobe and our partnership with the Museum helps us in our mission to support people from all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life to study with us."
Shortlisting for Australian Muslim Artists was conducted by a panel of judges including Dr Stefano Carboni, Adjunct Professor, University of Western Australia; Dr Karen Annett, Director of La Trobe Art Institute; community representative Dr Anisa Buckley and Dr Mahmoud Mohammed.
The Australian Muslim Artists exhibition is on display from 1 November 2024 – 1 March 2025 at the Museum.
As an acquisitive prize, the artwork will become part of the La Trobe University Art Collection. This significant and growing collection of postwar and contemporary art features works by many of Australia's most notable artists from the past six decades.
