Congratulations: Keith Wikmunea

Keith Wikmunea, a Thu’ Apalech man and artist from Aurukun, is the winner of the prestigious National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (2023) Telstra Art Award for his sculptural piece titled Ku', Theewith & Kalampang: The White Cockatoo, Galah and the Wandering Dog, 2023. Keith is an artist with Aurukun’s Wik & Kugu Art Centre, who are members of the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA).

The scale and presence of Ku', Theewith & Kalampang: The White Cockatoo, Galah and the Wandering Dog reveals a master carver at work. The ceremonial dots on the tree are identifiable with Western Cape York, with the totem birds above always nearby.

The piece is a joyful celebration and observation of life and represents a strong connection to Country and his totem.