Success: Award winners Gamilaroi artist Sean Miller and Pitjantjatjara women Anne Nginyangka Thompson, right, with SAM chief executive Melinda Martin.
Shepparton Art Museum's 2022 Indigenous Ceramic Award winners received their prizes on Saturday, 8 October at Shepparton Art Museum.
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The ceramics had a First Nations theme, with the exhibition providing a national platform to share personal, historical and deep cultural learnings from artists and Country.
Pitjantjatjara women Anne Nginyangka Thompson took out the major acquisitive prize of $20,000 for her work titled Strong Family Connection. It was her second time winning the major award.
The awards were judged by Yorta Yorta woman Kimberley Moulton, Victoria senior curator Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and leading contemporary artist Penny Evans, a finalist in 2018.
Major prize: Pitjantjatjara women Anne Nginyangka Thompson's ceramic tilted Strong Family Connection.
Ms Thompson's work was based on a deep appreciation of nature, shown on an elongated stoneware vase with several vignettes etched into its surface.
Ms Evans said the piece by Ms Thompson was visually and aesthetically impressive, and captivated the judges.
"With a remarkable complexity in its depiction of the mapping and connection to Country, it held energy that captivated us," Ms Evans said.
The South East Australian Indigenous artist prize of $5000 was awarded to Gamilaroi artist Sean Miller for his work titled Galibay on Country. He too was a previous ICA finalist, for his work Songlines in the Sky in 2016.
This year’s work was a large ceramic vessel adorned with a wooden snake.
The piece features an etched chevron pattern — a common motif in Mr Miller's work.
"Sean's work had presence, and the depth of the carving impressed us," Ms Moulton said.
“As an artist, Sean is confident and has sound knowledge in materiality.
Winner: Artist Sean Miller with Galibay on Country.
"The work has a playfulness to it and was a strong reflection of the iconography of his country."
Now in its seventh iteration, the 2022 ICA attracted submissions from all across Australia.
The exhibition featured 19 finalist works from over 26 contemporary artists representing 16 language groups.
SAM chief executive Melinda Martin said it provided a space to share valuable cultural learnings and exchange.
“The official opening was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the talent and creativity of the finalists featured in 2022 ICA,” Ms Martin said.
“It provides a space to share valuable cultural learnings and exchange, and we are honoured to be joined by many artists who have participated in the exhibition.”
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