Esteemed Cape York artist Lisa Michl Ko-manggén has won a Blacktown City Art Prize by bringing Kokoberrin tradition to metropolitan New South Wales. Photo: Supplied.
The Kokoberrin people may not traditionally be on the New South Wales art radar, but one talented Cape York artist has changed that after claiming a prestigious metropolitan art prize.
Lisa Michl Ko-manggén won the First Nations category in the Blacktown City Art Prize this month, earning her a spot in the 2025 Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre exhibition and $2,500 towards future creative endeavours.
Her artwork, Sour Yam, which depicts the history of her people and the land they lived on, was chosen as the winner from hundreds of entries from across the country.
“It was truly humbling to learn that my submission was shortlisted among the 470-plus applications received from artists across Australia,” she said.
“The recognition I received fills me with excitement and gratitude, knowing that the stories I convey through my art resonated with the judging panel and the curatorial team at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
“It is a privilege for me to document and share the stories, language, lore and culture of our Kokoberrin people with a national audience, amplifying the efforts of our First Nations community in preserving and passing down our heritage for future generations.”
Ms Michl Ko-manggén, who is also the artistic director of UMI Arts in Cairns, has shared her cultural heritage through art across the nation, previously winning or being selected as a finalist in awards in Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland.
With the addition of New South Wales to her list of accolades, she said she was looking forward to making more meaningful contributions to the artistic community in the representation of First Nations cultures.
“The artwork is a tribute to the traditions [of the Kokoberrin people] and emphasises our profile connection to a land and waterways which sustain us,” she said.
“The artwork uses shades of orange to symbolise our sun-kissed Country; our homelands are richly adorned with elegant plant life, a freshwater and saltwater environment teeming with aquatic life that extends out to the sea.”
With the prizemoney, Ms Michl Ko-manggén said she planned to draw new inspiration and continue to improve her craft in order to tell the story of her people.
“I intend to use the prizemoney awarded by the Blacktown City Prize to buy some Arches handmade paper, which will serve as the canvas for my upcoming artistic endeavours,” she said.
“In the coming year, my focus will be on refining my artistic skills and producing new artwork for exhibitions and art competitions; I am committed to enhancing my reputation as an artist and promoting the recognition of my latest works.”
Sour Yam by Lisa Michl Ko-manggén. Photo: Cape York Arts/Lovegreen Photography.
