Congratulations to Naomi Hobson who has won the Works on Paper Prize at the 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards for her extraordinary work ‘Present & Beyond’.
Part of her photographic series ‘Life on the River’, that captures Coen’s - Naomi’s hometown- vibrant river culture and the relationships between the people and Wukaanta – The Coen River.
‘Living on the river is part of our daily existence and defines who we are as people from Coen, how we look and how we live. The river is spiritually important to us. It represents our history. Our people are buried along the river and there are special birthing sites. The river has fed us for thousands of years – we have laid on the sandbanks and looked at the same star constellations as our ancestors. For us – it’s life. This series of photographs tells our river story.’ — Naomi Hobson
Now in its 42nd year, the 2025 Telstra NATSIAA is a highly prestigious prize, featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia, sharing incredible works reflecting the continuation of cultures, responses to current affairs and unerring connections to Country.
Huge congratulations from the Arthouse Gallery Team!
