We would like to extend our congratulations to Teho Ropeyarn for receiving the Highly Commended prize for his work ‘Ipi (water, rain)’ at the inaugural ‘Blue World: The Valerie Taylor Art Prize for Ocean Advocacy 2023’. This well-deserved recognition celebrates Teho’s exceptional artistic talent and his dedication to addressing contemporary societal issues in parallel with First Nations narratives.
Teho’s commended artwork offers a profound exploration of Cowal Creek, situated at the northern tip of Cape York Peninsula. Through his meticulous carving, Teho depicts the convergence of fresh and saltwater, symbolizing the fragile equilibrium within our ecosystems.
The awards ceremony, graced by the presence of esteemed conservationist, photographer, and filmmaker Valerie Taylor, underscores the significance of Teho’s achievement. Taylor herself commended the artworks in the prize for their ability to provoke dialogue and inspire action regarding the challenges our oceans face.
We extend our gratitude to philanthropist Rob Keldoulis, whose generous support of the annual prize has provided a platform to highlight artists such as Teho and advocate for the cause of marine conservation. Blue World, the not-for-profit organization headed by Keldoulis, remains committed to raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices to protect our oceans.
All 30 captivating artworks, including Teho’s commended work, are now available for purchase. The retail price of each artwork will be shared equally between the artist and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, a deserving charity benefitting from this event.
Artwork: Teho Ropeyarn, Ipi (water, rain), 150 x 203 cm. Image: Louis Lim. Courtesy the artist and Onespace gallery, Brisbane.
