A second-year education student at Curtin University has claimed the top prize in an art competition that celebrates Aboriginal reconciliation. The Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction competition, now in its third year, invites students to showcase artwork honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Winning Artwork
Primary education student T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman, secured first place for her piece titled Connecting on Country. She explained that the artwork was inspired by the connections formed at the university.
“We all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,” Dearden said. “It is through studying at Curtin that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship and the friendships we build along the way. This piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.”
The winning artwork will be permanently displayed on the Curtin campus for future generations of students to admire and reflect upon.
Additional Recognition
Dearden also received the inaugural People’s Choice award for her work, alongside science student Vanessa Burns, who created the piece Wagyl.
Associate Professor Mandy Downing, dean of the Faculty of Humanities’ Indigenous Futures, noted that the competition helps foster culturally inclusive spaces throughout the Bentley campus.
“This initiative brings together students, staff and the wider community to recognise the central place of Indigenous voices, histories and knowledge,” Downing said. “It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives are visible, valued and celebrated.”
This year’s exhibition is located in the building 418 collaboration hub and is open to the public until July 3.
