Robyn Frances has been announced as the winner of the 2020 Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award for her work titled John.
The Darwin artist selected Woolwonga storyteller, John Scrutton, as her subject matter.
The pair has recently published The Real Map of Batchelor According to Me, a personal illustrated map of John’s family history. John grew up around Batchelor and is the grandson of well-known Aboriginal Territorian, Nellie Flynn.
Robyn is an artist with multi-disciplinary practice across drawing, painting, writing, installation, print making and illustrated texts.
The portrait salutes John’s quest to care for country for the sake of future generations.
Deepu Jose Kollannoor was awarded second prize for his portrait of Jennifer Dowling titled Jennifer, the Quest and Henry Smith was awarded third prize for his portrait of Eastern Arrernte woman Veronica Perrule Dobson AM.
The Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award, which has a $9,500 prize pool, recognises and celebrates the achievements and contributions senior Territorians have made, and continue to make, in our community.
This year’s judges included Marlene Rubuntja, Kieran Finnane and Chips Mackinolty.
Voting for the People’s Choice Award is still open with the winner to be announced on 12 March 2021. Votes can be made in person or online at
Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view this year’s entries at an exhibition at the Araluen Arts Centre from today until 7 March 2021. The exhibition will also be available for viewing on the Araluen Arts Centre website,
