Multidisciplinary artist, Nicole Smede has been named the winner of the inaugural First Nations exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.
The Warrimay and Irish woman won the coveted exhibition with her project Bagandha yanggamba-ngga – 'Country sings in me,' produced on Wadi Wadi Dharawal Country.
Ms Smede's prize also includes a mentorship from renowned Wiradjuri artist, Karla Dickens.
Her work, which explores what it means to be 'of Country' through voice, song, sound and poetry, was selected following a recent Expression of Interest (EOI) process advertised by the gallery for talented artists with a strong connection to the Shoalhaven to showcase their work.
"Nicole was an outstanding candidate whose video and sound installation honours the deep ties between spirit, place, language and song," said Gallery Director, Dr Zanny Begg.
"We were moved by her work which was undertaken in collaboration and consultation with community and features Elders and custodians of the Mudingaal Yangamba choir," she said.
