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Four Winds of Zenadth Kes Wins People’s Choice Award

Four Winds of Zenadth Kes Wins People’s Choice Award
Harry Nona with guest judge Ms Avril Quaill.Photo credit: Mr Lewis Bin Doraho

Badhu artist, Mr Harry Nona has been named the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award: People’s Choice Award Category Winner, making him a two-time prize winner in the Torres Strait region’s most prestigious Art Awards.

Mr Nona’s canvas Four Winds of Zenadth Kes also received the runner-up prize at the exhibition’s opening night celebrations in November, where guest judge Ms Avril Quaill described it as a ‘beautiful and profound work’.

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM congratulated Mr Nona for taking home two major prizes in the 2023 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.

“This award-winning entry holds significant value for Torres Strait Islanders, as it depicts the seasonal changes that dictate our way of life,” Mr Stephen said.

“The community and visitors have voted, and I was proud to see Mr Nona recognised for his artistic talents on a piece that has caught the eyes and hearts of the public.

“The TSRA and Gab Titui Cultural Centre look forward to receiving more works from Mr Nona.”

Mr Harry Nona said he was surprised and humbled to win the People’s Choice Award.

“My passion for art has been reignited,” Mr Nona said.

“I took a break to focus on crayfishing, but I feel more empowered to keep creating artworks that tell my people’s stories, like the Four Winds of Zenadth Kes.

“I wasn’t too sure if it was the painting or the story itself that attracted people, but I am very honoured to receive the People’s Choice Award, and I thank those who voted.

“I am currently working on a new story-telling canvas, and I look forward to submitting it to sell at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre in new year,” he said.

The People’s Choice Award voting closed on the 30 November 2023. Over 400 votes were counted with the following comments about Mr Nona’s winning entry:

“Amazing!”

“Very striking piece expressing the 4 winds in our region”

“Lasting joy”

“Amazing depiction of the four winds and what they mean for the people of Zenadth Kes.”