Mangkaja Arts is thrilled to announce Sonia Kurarra as the recipient for the Most Outstanding Work at this years Hedland Art Awards for her work Martuwarra. This award is a wonderful personal achievement for Sonia, as well as a testament to the practice and re emergence of the art centre. Sonia's artwork and profile have continued to grow exponentially since her break out year in 2010 when she won the Indigenous section of both the Hedland and West Australian art awards. It is wonderful for Sonia to receive this ongoing recognition and support in her career as we look forward to a successful future for both Sonia and Mangkaja Arts.
Martuwarra
"Martuwarra is my river country; this painting is all about the Fitzroy River which flows down through Nookanbah where I live. All kinds of fish live in the water, we catch big mob of fish here. I like Parlka (barrumundi). We catch catfish and brim here too. Nganku(shark), Wirritunany (sawfish) and Stingray also live here. These fish live in these waters long after the flood has gone.
Also this painting is about barrumundi swimming on the surface of the water, you can also see the Wakiri (pandanustree) and rocks all around. When the barrumundi get tired they go back into the rock holes. These rock holes hold all the Parlka (barrumundi) that live in the river. Kalputu (water snakes) also live in these rock holes and swim all around the Palma (creeks) and all around the Wakiri that grows in the river."
Sonia Kurarra's forthcoming show will be held at Aboriginal and Pacific Art in February 2013 
http://www.courthousegallery.com.au/exhibitions/2012-hedland-art-awards