The partnership between Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and Skytrans is another step closer to materialising in a new uniform design for the regional airline after announcing the winner of its inaugural art prize.
Rockhampton artist Annie Abednego Gela’s artwork entitled, LAK PARU KWINZLAN (The Face of Queensland) was selected by judges CIAF Artistic Director Janina Harding and Skytrans CEO Michael Thinee from among 27 entries.
Along with Ms Abednego Gela’s winning piece, that will be incorporated into the regional airline’s new uniform design, five artworks were awarded high commendations.
Ms Harding said she was overwhelmed with the response and impressed by the quality of artwork submitted for judging.
“It is fabulous to see CIAF providing a platform for First Nations artists to spread their wings with opportunities to showcase their culture and talent in such a high-profile way.
“Annie’s win is well deserved and it is particularly special to learn about her connection to the Far North which now comes full circle. According to Anne she first studied art more than two decades ago at Cairns TAFE,” Ms Harding said.
Ms Abednego Gela’s artwork will be unveiled in a capsule collection that is presented as part of this year’s CIAF fashion performance at Tanks Arts Centre. Added to this, the winning and highly commended art works will be on display at the Art Fair in Shed 3 of Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.
Commenting on her success, Ms Abednego Gela said, “Winning to me is not about the amount of money you receive, it’s all about promotion and recognition of one’s heritage and one’s style of artistic expression and it is an honour knowing that people will see it every day – that’s the best prize.”
Skytrans’ Uniform Design Art Prize rewards the winning artist an acquisitive prize of $4000 cash (plus licencing fee) as well as return flights to attend CIAF’s 10thanniversary event opening night event on 11 July and fashion performance on 12 July 2019.
“Skytrans’ association with CIAF and in particular, this art prize, emphasises our intrinsic link with the communities we serve and reaffirms the strength of our role,” Mr Thinee said.
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