Graham Badari
Biography
Graham Badari’s country is Maburrinj, in the rocky escarpment country about 120 kilometres east of Gunbalanya. He draws artistic inspiration from this environment and also paints the Dreamings of his Mother Country, Djurlka, where he spent time as a young man near the outstation of Marmardawerre. He was raised by the renowned artist Djawida Nadjongorle, but like many of the artists at Gunbalanya credits the late Thompson Yulidjirri as his greatest artistic influence. From these senior men, Badari learnt the fluid and dynamic figurative style that defines Kunwinjku painting at Injalak Arts. He began painting sporadically around 1990, but has since become part of a group of dedicated and innovative artists at Gunbalanya. His paintings show the influence of the visual language of their rock-art heritage, while remaining committed to artistic innovation. It is this beguiling balance of tensions, innovation and tradition, ancient and modern, beauty and terror, that energises Badari’s paintings.
Awards
2016 Finalist, Works on Bark category National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2016
2015 Finalist, Works on Paper category National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2015
2012 Finalist Works on Paper category Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2012
2011 Finalist, Work on Bark category,National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2011
2010 Works on Bark category National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2010
August 2009 Finalist, 26th National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Darwin, 2009
August 2009 Finalist, 26th National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Museum and Art Gallery of the NorthernTerritory Darwin, 2009
2009 Finalist, Togart Contemporary Art Award (acquired), 2009
2009 Winner, Works on Paper category National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2009
August 2008 Finalist 25th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Darwin, 2008
November 2008; Highly Commended, The Age Melbourne Fringe Festival, 2008
2008 Finalist Highly Commended and Acquired National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Art Award, 2008
2007 FinalistNational Aboriginal Torres Islander Art Award, 2007
August 2006; Finalist 24th National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Darwin, 2006