National NAIDOC 2004 Award Winners

Jirra Lulla Harvey - Artist of the Year

Jirra Lulla Harvey is a 21 year old Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman from Melbourne.

Her art work entitled Self determination Our Responsibility won the National NAIDOC art award this year.

Jirra is currently studying Media at the University of Melbourne where she was awarded the university’s national Indigenous undergraduate scholarship.

Although Jirra has no formal training in art, she enjoys painting and has always seen it as an emotional release and a means of self expression.

Jirra has received many other awards some for art others recognising her academic achievements.

In 2002 Jirra was named Victorian NAIDOC young person of the year.

In 2001 she received a Centennial Medal for Outstanding Artistic and Academic Achievement from the Government.

Another of Jirra’s artwork was recently selected by the Victorian Natural Heritage Trust as the winner of a cover design competition for one of their publications.

Jirra’s artistic mentor is Peter Clarke, a close family friend that passed away a couple of years ago. Her painting style she believes strongly reflects his work. Jirra regards the many times she sat with him and his family painting as her only real training.

Painting for Jirra is more of a therapeutic hobby than anything else. When ever she is stressed about study or work she picks up the paint brush.

A young aspiring artist from Victoria well on her way to a successful artistic career.