Wynne Prize 2018 children’s labels

Notice how the lines in this large painting appear to shimmer.

This artwork was made by Yukultji Napangati and it depicts a rock hole called Yunala in the sandhills of Kiwirrkura in Western Australia. It tells the story of her ancestors who camped near the rock hole and went searching for the roots of the silky pear vine to eat.

Can you spot the rock hole and the lines of the plant roots as they twist through the sandy landscape?

This large artwork was made by Wawiriya Burton from the Aboriginal community of Amata in South Australia. It tells the story of her father’s country west of Amata and the journeys of minyma mingkiri tjuta (small female desert mice) as they scurry between the rock holes looking for food and water to feed their many babies.

Can you spot the dotted tracks made by desert mice?

How cold do you think it would be in this snowy scene?

Phillip Edwards painted this landscape of Mount Buffalo in central Victoria as the snow was beginning to melt. Notice how the sharp grasses poke through the soft snow and how the drama of the swirling clouds in the sky add to the atmosphere.

What sounds would you hear if you stepped into this landscape?

Describe the colours you can see in this painting?

Maringka Baker is known for her use of colour and composition. Here, she uses lush shades of green to express the love she has for her country in the remote community of Kanpi in South Australia.

What do you think the natural environment of Kanpi looks like? Is it dry or full of life? What animals do you think would like to live in this environment?

Have you ever been to the Hunter Valley?

Noel McKenna has friends who live in the Hunter Valley so he often visits the region. As a result, he became involved in protests that stopped a coal mine being built near a horse stud. By painting scenes of the horses and landscape on a real door, perhaps he is saying the door is closed on the mine and we can look through the door to a new future.

What do you think?

What does your backyard look like?

Stephanie Monteith has painted a landscape of her backyard, exploring the effect of light on the plants, trees and buildings. She loves to paint her garden and even planted some of the shrubs and bushes so she could include their textures and colours in her art. Stephanie has combined different viewpoints in the one artwork. Can you see the split where the canvases meet?

What do you think the metal structure in the foreground is?

How many different plant forms can you spot in this large painting?

Peter Mungkuri has painted a landscape about his country where he was born and grew up. He remembers sleeping in the bush and the feeling of the sand beneath him as he slept. Peter has painted this from memory and can recall the plants and features of the landscape as he searched for bush tucker to eat.

What features of your home do you think you will always remember?

Move your arms and body to mimic the lines and brushstrokes in this painting.

John Olsen likes to explore how the landscape feels in his paintings and the sensation of being surrounded by nature. He uses expressive brushstrokes, lines and textures to create an impression of the place and to express his joy and wonder of the Australian bush.

What angle do you think John was viewing this tree from when he painted it?

Todd Robinson has carved this sculpture out of wood so that it looks like warped fence posts or human forms such as knee and elbow joints. Notice how the wood looks soft and supple because of the bends and curves, despite the fact we know wood is hard.

How many knot holes can you spot where smaller branches would have once grown?

Do you have a favourite place to visit near your home?

Sally Willbanks lives near a place called Frogs Holla in New South Wales and she painted this landscape to show off its beauty. The soft blue of the sky and the different shades of green all add to the calm mood of this painting. Notice how she uses flat colours and simple shapes to indicate the trees, paddocks, houses and winding road.

What story could you make up about travelling on this winding road?

Describe the patterns you can see in this painting.

This large painting of the Hawkesbury River was made by Joshua Yeldham. Joshua hand-carved the textures into the paper and then painted in the details of the shoreline and bush using acrylic paint. He often likes to paint in his tinny, a small boat, surrounded by the wonders of nature and the quiet river bays.

Imagine painting in a boat. What would make it a challenging experience?

Describe the lines you can see in this large painting.

Yaritji Young made this painting of rock holes and landmarks near her community of Amata in South Australia. The twisting lines and shapes follow the tunnels made by the tjala honey ants and show traditional marks that relate to inma (dance) and tjukurpa (dreaming).

Move your body to mimic the shape of the lines and imagine the sounds of the ants as they twist and turn through the landscape.