Gunybi Ganambarr in front of his 2008 Xstrata Coal Emerging Indigenous Art Award-winning work, Burrut'tji at Baraltja 2008. Image courtesy: Queensland Art Gallery

Mr Ganambarr, of the Ngaymil people of Arnhem Land, was presented with the $30,000 award at a special event on 11 July.

The work of Mr Ganambarr and the 10 award finalists is among some of the most exciting and dynamic in emerging Indigenous art in Australia today.

The winning entry, Burrut'tji at Baraltja 2008, is an imposing and impressive work that confidently asserts the desire of a young artist to innovate within the brilliant and longstanding tradition of painting on bark in north-east Arnhem Land.

Gunybi's contemporary approach to bark painting features many linear incisions in-filled with white pigment, resulting in a strong sense of movement.

Now in its third and final year, the Xstrata Coal Emerging Indigenous Art Award has played an important role in recognising talented emerging artists and has complemented the State Government's efforts to expand the international market for Indigenous art.

Work by this year's finalists is on display at GoMA until 12 October.

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