Flinders Rural and Remote Health SA’s acquisitive art competition attracted entries from across the Flinders South Australian regional footprint.
The competition was free to enter for First Nations people over the age of 16 with artists’ incorporating aspects of their culture, heritage and connection to local country into a two dimensional work.
The theme, Whole Health, Whole of Community was beautifully translated by our First Nations artists and incorporated elements from land, water, bush medicine and education.
Final judging was held in Renmark, with three independent artists given the difficult task of selecting the winning and runner up pieces. Judging criteria was developed to ensure the winning work effectively portrayed both the competition theme and elements.
The judging panel, all professional artists, included Sally O’Connor (Mt Gambier), Shane Karpany (Riverland), Clint Frankel (Riverland) and Liz Frankel (Riverland).
Following deliberations, the panel selected Jamii-Leah Gray’s two dimensional acrylic on canvas work titled “Healthy Country, Healthy People as the winning piece.
Jamii-Leah is a 26 year old Wirangu/Kokatha, and Ngarrindjeri woman born in Berri, SA and grew up in both Ceduna and the Riverland. Her childhood involved art in many forms, from wood carving, drawing on paper or in the sand and enjoying the creative journey.
“My family are artists from my grandparents to the youngest generation. Watching my parents paint inspired to me to put a brush in my hand. Art is my passion and I love to create something new for everyone to see. I hope you love my artwork as much as I loved painting it.”
Jamii-Leah has designed uniforms for Riverland United Football and Netball and is a member of Ceduna Arts, a vibrant art centre where people come together to craft and sell their artistic works. Among the prominent artists in her family are Janine Gray, Cassandra Gray, Jaylene Ware, Sherrie Jones, Collette Gray, Kelly Taylor-Ware and family.
The story of Jamii-Leah’s work intricately depicts the competition theme and elements in great detail. Her work has been acquired by Flinders Rural and Remote Health SA.
The competition runner up is Chloe Shorrock, an Arrernte woman from Alice Springs, now living in the Riverland.
Chloe’s work is titled “Our Community”, depicting the Riverland’s diversity with First Nations people.
A two dimensional work in acrylic on canvas, it visually portrays how Chloe sees the Riverland.
“The Riverland is a beautiful place. You will see seven circles representing the First People of the River Murray and Mallee region, Ngaiwang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Erawirung, Ngintait, Ngaralte and Ngarkat people. Our community work well together in helping educate and keep our culture alive for our young people. Our community works well together, helping one another gain access to resources and health.”
Chloe describes her work as a cross between traditional and contemporary. “The colours I like to use are desert colours, sometimes incorporating a small splash of brightness. Painting has helped me connect with my culture and my cultural journey and I enjoy creating my own stories and sharing with community and family.”
Chloe and her daughter opened an arts business, Penangke and Kemarre Arts, naming it after their skin names.
An exciting outcome of the competition will be to see Jamii-Leah’s work on Flinders Rural and Remote Health campus vehicles and other merchandise in the future.