The 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (Telstra NATSIAA) has once again shone a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and cultural strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
Held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), this year’s winners reflect a deep interconnection with Country, culture, and community, while showcasing innovation across diverse mediums.
Top Honour: Gaypalani Wanambi Wins 2025 Telstra Art Award
Artwork: Burwu, blossom 2025
Medium: Etched steel panels, aerosol paint
Gaypalani Wanambi took home the 2025 Telstra Art Award, the highest accolade of the night. Her striking steel panel work, Burwu, blossom, honours the Ancestral honey hunter Wuyal, central to Marrakulu clan lore.
As the daughter of acclaimed artist Wukun Wanambi (1962–2022), Gaypalani continues his legacy with innovation and strength, emerging as a powerful artist in her own right.
Telstra General Painting Award: Iluwanti Ken
Artwork: Walawuru Tjukurpa (Eagle story) 2025
Language Group: Pitjantjatjara | Location: Amata, SA
Iluwanti Ken’s vivid painting of mother eagles and their nurturing instincts earned her this year’s painting prize.
Telstra Multimedia Award Winner: Jahkarli Felicitas Romanis
Artwork: Pitta Pitta (Extracted) and Pitta Pitta (Google’s Gaze)
Language Group: Pitta Pitta | Location: Naarm/Melbourne, VIC
Romanis, an artist and academic, deconstructs colonial mapping through digital photography.
The work challenges the notion of terra nullius, asserting the endurance presence and knowledge of Indigenous knowledges and connection to Country.
Telstra Bark Painting Award Winner: Lucy Yarawanga
Artwork: Bawáliba & Ngalyod 2024
Language Group: Gurr-goni | Location: Maningrida, NT
With raw energy and cultural depth, Yarawanga’s bark painting tells a cautionary tale involving the Rainbow Serpent and protective spirit beings.
Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award Winner: Owen Yalandja
Artwork: Ngalkodjek Yawkyawk 2025
Language Group: Kuninjku | Location: Maningrida, NT
Yalandja’s towering wooden sculpture of yawkyawk (mermaid spirits) continues a family tradition of storytelling through sculpture, innovating with his own distinct style while honouring the teachings of his late father, Crusoe Kuningbal.
Telstra Work on Paper Award Winner: Naomi Hobson
Artwork: Present & Beyond 2024
Language Group: Southern Kaantju and Umpila | Location: Coen, QLD
Hobson’s portrait of a young boy on the banks of the Coen River captures a moment in time that bridges generations.
The photograph speaks to confidence in identity and enduring ancestral presence, themes central to her acclaimed photographic practice.
Telstra Emerging Artist Award Winner: Sonia Gurrpulan Guyula
Artwork: Mat 2025
Language Group: Djambarrpuyŋu | Location: Dhondji Homeland, NT
At just 27 years old, Sonia Gurrpulan Guyula has already demonstrated a deep connection to tradition and innovation in fibre art.
Her woven pandanus mat echoes patterns of her grandmothers while introducing bold new dye techniques.
Highly commended artists
Daniel Walbidi (WA) for Kirriwirri 2025 – General Painting Award
Johnathon World Peace Bush & Doriana Bush (NT) for Joan of Arc: Arika 2025 – Multimedia Award
Binygurr Wirrpanda (NT) for Gudurrku 2024 – 3D Award
2025 Telstra NATSIAA affirms the strength, diversity and innovation within First Nations art today. From ancient songlines to digital frontiers, the winning works celebrate deep cultural knowledge while pushing contemporary boundaries.
All winning and finalist works will be on display at MAGNT in Darwin and available for viewing online.
