Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has announced Badu artist James Ahmat Snr the 2025 Gab Titui Indigenous Art Award (GTIAA) People’s Choice Winner for his 3D Sculpture Zirrol Zagul.

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the work – which honoured Torres Strait Islander culture and custom – impressed community, visitors and art enthusiasts alike.

“Zirrol Zagul depicts a traditional dugong hunting method reserved for dark nights,” Mr Nona said.

“Mr Ahmat’s clever representation of the Zagul (or bioluminescence) is captivating and well-deserving of this prize.”

It was the second award for the artist, with Zirrol Zagul awarded Best Cultural Artefact at opening night on 12 June.

GTIAA Principal Judge Teho Ropeyarn said the piece was a ‘majestic woodwork of great stature’.

“Presented as a totem-pole like structure, the work incorporates an air component where wind is used to ruffle the feathers to replicate the movement of the dugong in the water when bioluminescence is activated, known as zagul,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“The sculpture is a definition of the calibre of fine works to come out of Zenadth Kes that continues to be shown across the world.”

Artist, James Ahmat Snr, said the sculpture represented the seafaring nature of Torres Strait Islanders.

“This is exactly what it looks like on a dark night; this is how the dugong looks,” Mr Ahmat said.

“I wanted to do something very unique and take something from out there (malu) and showcase it in here.

“This piece is 3D, made from local materials and has movement. Bringing it here (to TI) from Badu was not easy. I safely packaged it into a box and brought it in by dinghy…even in the rain.”

People’s Choice Award voters shared their impression of Zirrol Zagul:

“The representation of the florescent trail with the elements of night and whirl pods evoked an emotion in me and I felt instantly more connected.”

“I like the overall message and aesthetic of the piece.”

“Out of them all, liked this one the best.”

“The history of the story and the artwork is amazing.”

“I can see the dugong swimming!”

“Interprets real life movements of the dugong at night and the knowledge it shares.”

“Artwork displays real movements under water.”

Lavinia Ketchell’s stunning entry Reef Mat was voted runner-up in addition to winning the 2025 Best Craft Work.

Exhibition catalogues are available for purchase through the Centre’s Gallery Shop, with merchandise available in store and online at shop.gabtitui.gov.au