Stunning installation claims top prize

JAMES Tylor has secured the 2025 Tatiara Art Prize for his work ‘Tapa-arra through the landscape’.

Tylor’s striking installation combines photography and a painted geometric shape to explore Indigenous roads, songlines, and trade routes across Australia.

The work highlights connections between Kaurna (Adelaide) people and neighbouring nations in South Australia and beyond.

Tylor’s photographs capture the sites of these historical roads, with images cut in half to symbolise the path of least resistance.

It resonates strongly with the Tatiara district, reflecting the historical routes of travel, trade, and cultural exchange that shaped the region. The artwork encourages viewers to think about the history, travel, and connections that are part of the local land.

The judges described Tylor’s work as an outstanding example of contemporary installation and photography that will make an important contribution to the Tatiara District Council Collection.

They praised how his photographs and painted form create a layered understanding of both landscape and history, offering fresh perspectives on how Country can be seen and experienced.

Other Awards

• Highly Commended was awarded to Henry Jock Walker for BJB (Beverly Janice Branson), a large-scale work using salvaged neoprene and powder-coated aluminium. Walker’s practice draws on the energy of surfing, textiles, and performance to explore the creative potential of repurposed materials and community collaboration.
• Highly Commended was awarded to Kate Kurucz for her video work Anamorphism, a hand-painted animation created from 2,000 oil paintings on glass. The work reflects on empathy, transformation, and the intimate exchange between film and audience.
• The Local Artist Prize was awarded to Jaime Prosser for her graphite drawing Ruby and Scar, a tender portrait of her daughters. Prosser said her practice reflects her deepening connection with her children, capturing intimate details of closeness and quiet moments.

Young Artist Awards

The Prize also celebrates creativity across all ages, with awards presented in four age categories:

• 0–5 years: Nellie Harkness – Nellie in a Sunset
• 6–9 years: Michaela Dorner – The Wildlife
• 10–14 years: Lara Jenkin – Hanging Free
• 15–17 years: Kiel Pujanes – Soft Expression
• A new category, Best Group Work, was awarded to the Carol Murray Children’s Centre for Welcome to Bindjali Country, which includes a sound component.

The 2025 Tatiara Art Prize was judged by Leigh Robb, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia; Ashleigh Whatling, Director of the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre in the City of Mount Gambier; and Alanah Brand, a contemporary portrait painter and previous finalist of the Prize. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives to selecting this year’s winners.

The public is now invited to take part by voting for their favourite work in the People’s Choice Award, open until November 8.

The 2025 Tatiara Art Prize was supported by Tatiara District Council, Good Country Community Op Shop and Robe Town Brewery

The 2025 Tatiara Art Prize exhibition will remain on display at the Walkway Gallery until 8 November 2025.