Art prize winner revealed

THE outcome of the Arthur Guy Memorial Painting Prize was announced last week to a crowd of artists and patrons at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

Tuppy Ngintja Goodwin won the prize with her painting Antara, which is a depiction of a ceremonial location from the artist’s song line.

A Pitjantjatjara artist from the Mimili community on the remote Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands in South Australia, Goodwin said she was happy to win the prize.

“I am working every day at my art centre, at Mimili Maku Arts,” she said. “We all work hard together and keep our business and community strong.”

“You know my paintings are important, they keep knowledge for the next generation,” she said.

The announcement was made by painter Ben Quilty, who said winning this prize could change an artist’s life.

“It’s massive, it can be life changing,” he said. “$50,000 is more than some artists make in years and years.”

“50 grand is the difference between an artist having a year to actually become an artist and try being an artist full time rather than having to work,” he said.

Goodwin’s painting will be acquired by the Bendigo Art Gallery and she will receive $50,000 in prize money.

The Arthur Guy Memorial Prize has been running since 2003 and attracts some of the country’s best artists.

Antara by Goodwin can be viewed alongside the other 2023 shortlisted artists in a group exhibition on in the Bendigo Art Gallery until 18 February.