Wiradyuri conceptual artist, Amala Groom took home the prestigious 2020 Wyndham Art Prize for her work Copywrong.
Groom is a prominent artist whose work presents commentary on contemporary socio-political issues.
Copywrong shows the boomerang, an internationally recognised symbol of Australian culture, which has been cheapened by the tourism industry and sold as a souvenir.
Groom's artwork highlights a lack of entitlements to copyright for Aboriginal cultural materials. The boomerang was made overseas, it has been marked with unidentifiable totems in acrylic paint and it was painted over by ochre to indicate how the Aboriginal culture needs to come back home.
The winner of the Local Emerging Artist Prize winner was wãni LeFrère with his work Final Solution and the Deakin University academic bursary prize went to Melanie Cobham for her work Unheard Voices.
Wyndham City Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holder, Cr Tony Hooper said the community asked for more creative and vibrant events to attend to make the City more liveable and the Wyndham Art Prize was an opportunity to see quality art right at their doorstep, albeit online on this year.
"Wyndham City is committed to vibrant arts and culture events for the community and that's why we are dedicated to initiatives like the annual Wyndham Art Prize - and we are continuing our programs through Covid-19 via digital platforms."
"The Wyndham Art Prize is one of the most prestigious art exhibitions in Victoria and we are delighted to attract such talented artists to Wyndham."
Cr Hooper congratulated Groom, LeFrère, and Cobham on their winning pieces as the sixth annual Wyndham Arts Prize is taken to an online platform.
"With 77 talented artists selected as finalists, the independent judges had a tough decision to pick the winning pieces."
"While the Wyndham Art Gallery is closed to the public, we invite you to visit our virtual gallery space, listen to recordings with artists and see the full exhibition catalogue."
The Wyndham Art Prize People's Choice Award is still up for grabs, and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite before Sunday 28th June. The winner will be announced on Tuesday 9th July. (To vote go to ).
On Thursday, 28th May at 6pm we will have a pre-recorded panel video discussion with local artists Carolyn Warren-Langford, Jonathan Mendez-Baute and Megan Bonnici and Wyndham Art Gallery Curator Megan Evans about artworks the artists have in the show, their creative practice, the experience of being involved in a digital exhibition, their creative practice, and how COVID-19 has impacted that practice.
On Sunday 31st May at 2pm the Sunday Salon will be held online. This free interactive session will be led by local artist and Wyndham Art Prize finalist, Emmet Davies. During the session, you'll learn basic techniques and themes needed to construct a realistic portrait, including eyes, nose, mouth, hair and skin texture. Sunday Salon is free, but registrations are essential.
