A record number of people have voted for works in the 2017 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award, naming Badhu artist, Laurie Nona, winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award.

Mr Nona received the award for the second consecutive year based on votes cast by more than 200 community members and visitors to the exhibition, for his lino print Badhu Harbourka.

The large-scale work tells the story of the pearling industry on Badhu Island and was described by visitors to the exhibition as powerful, iconic and praised for its use of scale, detail and colour.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM said that his award was a significant achievement.

“Laurie’s dedication to his craft and to sharing the histories and culture of his community is commendable”, he said.

“Congratulations to Laurie and to all of the artists who entered this year’s Award.”

The 2017 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award opened on 8 June, showcasing 52 works from 18 communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia.  Winners in nine categories were announced on the opening night.  As the winner of the tenth category – the People’s Choice Award – Mr Nona will receive $2,500 in prize money.

Laurie’s work was on display as part of the 2017 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award.  A catalogue containing photographs of all artworks in the exhibition is also available for purchase from the Gab Titui Cultural Centre Gallery Shop.