WALGA congratulates all of the deserving winners of Showcase in Pixels 2024.
Yesterday, 28th November 2024, seven young talented artists were awarded for their excellent works across the theme ‘Heroes Among Us’, depicting important role models and themes in their local communities.
This year, artists from every member council across the state were invited to cast a spotlight on those whose dedication and selflessness transcend the ordinary, contributing to the fabric of our communities. This ranged from realistic portraits capturing the steely determination of a first responder, to abstract interpretations that convey the essence of community service.
The caliber of work WALGA received made it incredibly hard for the judges to decide and they were overwhelmed by the amount of artistic flare and talent there is in our communities. Well done to everyone who participated and to those who attended the Awards where the stunning works were showcased on the digital tower in the heart of Yagan Square.
Thank you as well to our judging panel who volunteered their time and expertise to recognise and acknowledge the promising aptitude of WALGA’s member councils’ community members. We hope to have everyone again with us next year.
If you couldn't make it to the ceremony, you can watch a recording of the live stream here.
Meet the winners
Junior Primary – Emma Eva
Shire of Pingelly | 'Positive by Nature'
Emma, a bright local 7-year-old, was inspired to draw a numbat after learning that they are not only endangered but also Pingelly's emblem.
She thinks numbats are special because they play a unique role in nature, and when she heard about the people working hard to save them and their natural habitat around Pingelly, she knew these people were real-life heroes.
From conservationists to bushfire volunteers, these people are protecting not just the numbats, but also Pingelly's natural environment, making them heroes to everyone.
Upper Primary – Darkan Primary School
Shire of West Arthur | ‘Heroes Among Us; we all have the capability to be a hero.’
Students in Years 2-6 were inspired by Spanish painter artist Okuda San Miguel. They used a range of mediums - paint, paper collage and oil pastels - to create their own abstract, vibrant self-portraits.
They regularly discuss how just one person can change the world with small acts of kindness. They've also looked at how people can contribute to the community.
We are each one of the 'Heroes Among Us’; we all have the capability to be a hero.
Secondary – Abigail Nairn
Shire of Broome | ‘The heroes in Broome are the everyday people that look after and care for our environment.’
This artwork was painted with acrylic paint on paper. I then used markers to outline some of the areas. I worked on this project for 8 weeks.
I wanted to paint the cliffs at Gantheaume during the sunset. I love how beautiful the colours are on the warm rocks and how interesting and different all the seasonal jellyfish are that we find on the beach.
The heroes in Broome are the everyday people that look after and care for our environment.
Community Group – Moorditj Wirin Circle
City of Bayswater | 'Heroes Among Us - Stolen Generation of Survivors'
Moorditj Wirin Circle is an Aboriginal Women’s yarning group in the City of Bayswater. The ladies meet monthly to come together for friendship and yarning in a culturally appropriate safe space. The group decided to create a special artwork form the heart to recognise the real “Heroes Among Us” – Stolen Generation Survivors. This involved creating an artwork together using acrylic paints on canvas with 47 hibiscus leaves, each one representing a mission in Western Australia.
The native hibiscus flower has been chosen to symbolise the Stolen Generation as it survives in harsh conditions and is a symbol of strength and resilience. The artwork is in memory of all the children removed and all the mothers and family who lost children through government policy. “They have been through so much in their lives, being stolen from their families and the lives they knew to be taken to Missions to work for nothing, suffer abuse and the loss of their culture but they survived against the policy to breed the black out of them.”- Quote from Moorditj Wirin Circle member.
City of Gosnells | 'SES throughout Gosnells'
“This piece, entitled ‘SES throughout Gosnells’ Past’, encapsulates the past and present of the state emergency services in our suburb.
This multimedia collage uses original photos from the Gosnells SES ranging from the 1980s to 2000s.
This collage is then overlayed with native flora from areas such as the Woodlupine Reserve or Mills Park.
In the centre is a watercolour and ink, contemporary rendition of a modern SES uniform.
The meaning and inspiration behind this piece come from my mother's contribution to volunteer emergency services and the fulfilment that it provides her. I feel inspired by her bravery and courage and hope that this piece represents it.”
City of Albany | 'Marlu Tidda which means Kangaroo Sister'
The sculpture is called "Marlu Tidda" which means "Kangaroo Sister".
I created this sculpture with one hero in mind - Maggie van Santen from Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary located in Tenterden Western Australia.
Maggie's home serves as a rehabilitation & release site for the native wildlife she cares for. She is self-funded and spends all her time on her rural property nursing these animals back to health. She has to contend with huge vet bills and the constant loss & heartache that often accompany these rescues.
I created this sculpture in Maggie's honour as my local hero. Marlu Tidda, took approximately 60 hours to create from Keanes Raku Clay. She is hand-built and fired with ceramic glazes and stands approximately 40cm high. I hope that this will bring awareness to the plight of Australian native wildlife and the challenges they face in a world that humans are consuming. In addition, I would like to highlight how one person is making a huge difference, one animal at a time. A true definition of a hero.”
Shire of Pingelly | 'Positive by Nature'
Emma, a bright local 7-year-old, was inspired to draw a numbat after learning that they are not only endangered but also Pingelly's emblem.
She thinks numbats are special because they play a unique role in nature, and when she heard about the people working hard to save them and their natural habitat around Pingelly, she knew these people were real-life heroes.
From conservationists to bushfire volunteers, these people are protecting not just the numbats, but also Pingelly's natural environment, making them heroes to everyone.
Judges' Commendations
Shire of Capel
The artwork was created by young people aged 12 - 16 years who are part of the Shire of Capel's Youth Collectives.
The medium used was materials to create a collage. The half faces joined together symbolically reflects 'heroes among us' in the diverse forms that heroism can take.
Fire fighters are a common theme in the collage because they're widely regarded as human heroes who risk their lives to save others. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness make them symbols of bravery and service to the community.
Dogs are another common theme in the collage. Dogs, particularly service, rescue, and working dogs, are also heroes in their own right. They assist in countless ways, often displaying loyalty, courage, and intelligence. They are valued companions who provide emotional and practical support on a daily basis.
Combining the images represents the idea that heroism is not limited to humans but is a shared trait across species. It suggests that heroes come in many forms, and both humans and animals make the world a better and safer place.
Shire of Quairading | "Waalitj"
Created by Charlie Colbung, a proud Noongar artist from Ballardong Country, this artwork is crafted using traditional art techniques.
Each brush stroke is meticulously placed to vividly portray the eagle, a central symbol in Noongar culture."Waalitj" utilises an acrylic paint medium to bring its majestic figure to life.
The eagle is depicted in rich earth tones and contrasting shades, emphasising its grandeur and symbolic significance. Surrounding elements, such as the stylised sky and landscapes, honour the natural world that the eagle protects, reflecting its role as a guardian.
The artwork connects deeply with the theme ‘Heroes Among Us’ by showcasing the eagle as a revered hero within Noongar tradition. This majestic bird represents strength, authority, and respect, embodying the qualities necessary to protect our precious resources—water, land, and sky. "Waalitj" is a tribute to these natural guardians and their vital role in environmental stewardship, highlighting how heroism often resides in the protective roles played by elements of nature.
Thank you to our esteemed panel of judges for investing your time and expertise into our members' communities.
Judges
- Connie Petrillo - Curator of Cultural Collections, City of Perth
- Julia Robinson-White - Arts Officer - Art Collection, City of Stirling
- Jenna Pickering - The Lester Prize 2024: Winner Tony Fini Foundation Artist Award and Winner Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize; Overall Winner 2023 Cossack Art Awards
- Zeppo - Content Manager, Yagan Square
- Nick Sloan - Chief Executive Officer, WA Local Government Association
Prizes for each category:
- Artwork displayed on iconic digital tower in Yagan Square, Perth CBD
- $250 voucher for art supplies
- Finalist certificate
