Innovative Aboriginal Painting receives Academy Prize

An Aboriginal art student's innovative depiction of his mother's recovery from a life-threatening car crash has been awarded the Western Sydney University Academy Prize for Art Express students.

Taylor Jay Curry used a car bonnet as the canvas for his incredible painting The Accident, which depicts the series of events that left his mother in hospital for six months, with a further 12 months of rehabilitation.

In the painting, Taylor uses symbols and patterns with deep personal meanings. His Wiradjuri totem of a large goanna is prominent, as is a snake representing the driver who caused the crash.

The skill and creativity in his remarkable Art Express entry was rewarded with the Academy Prize recognising creativity, innovation and academic excellence.

After graduating from Kelso High School in Bathurst last year, Taylor is now working with young aboriginal students.

"I'm now back at high school helping younger children who may be at-risk by teaching them about art and culture," he says.

"Longer term, I'm aiming to go to Western Sydney University, and my dream is to make and sell art as a living."

Taylor's painting is currently on display at The Armory, Sydney Olympic Park, until April 24.

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23 March 2016

Mark Smith, Senior Media Officer