Last night the winners of the 2024 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) were announced from an incredible line-up of 72 finalists.

Pitjantjatjara man and artist from Tjuntjuntjara in Western Australia, Noli Rictor, took out the prestigious 2024 Telstra Art Award, valued at $100,000 for his painting, Kamanti.

The remarkable work vividly illustrates the Country he was born into, Kamanti, brought to life by Noli’s bold use of colour and form.

The judges note, ‘His expert use of colour and composition creates shimmering fields, carving Wati Kutjara Tjukurpa (Two Men Creation Line) into the layered landscape. At times the paint dances on the canvas’ surface; disrupting the eyes’ ability to focus, giving the work a truly mesmerising appeal from its painterly merits.’

This year the judges were particularly moved and impressed by the diversity of artistic materials and the artists’ interpretation of their stories.

2024 Telstra NATISAA judge Putuparri Tom Lawford says, ‘Several artworks discussed timely themes which have recently received national attention, and the judges commend each artist for using their practice to give attention to important stories at this prestigious event’.

Director Adam Worrall also highlights the significant participation of female artists  — 42 of the year’s artworks having been created by women.

‘We’re also thrilled to see a surge of emerging artists, with 21 featured in this year’s awards,’ he says.

See all the winners below!

Telstra Art Award Winner 2024
Noli Rictor, Kamanti 

Telstra General Painting Award
Lydia Balbal, Keeping up with the Balbals 

Telstra General Painting Highly Commended
Bugai Whyoulter, Kartarru (Blue Hills Station, Canning Stock Route Well 24)
Nancy Long Nungarrayi and Rene Long Nungarrai, Pereltye 

Telstra Bark Painting Award
Wurrandan Marawili, Rambal, the body/the truth 

Telstra Bark Painting Highly Commended
Milminyina Dhamarrandji, Dhambadiny – Death Adder 

Telstra Work on Paper Award
Shannon Brett, An Australian Landscape 

Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (Sponsored by Telstra)
Obed Namirrkki, Kankurra 

Telstra Multimedia Award
Natalie Davey, River report 

Telstra Multimedia Highly Commended
Dhukumul Wanambi, Gurkha ‘wuy

Telstra Emerging Artist Award
Josina Pumani, Maralinga 

Telstra Emerging Artist Highly Commended
Julieanne Gitjpulu Malibirr, Gunga Djama 

All 72 finalist and winning works are now on show at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin!