Joanne Currie Nalingu facts for kids

Joanne Currie Nalingu (born 1964) is a talented Aboriginal Australian artist. She lives in Caloundra, Australia. Joanne is famous for her beautiful paintings. Her artwork The River is Calm won a major award called the Wynne Prize in 2008.

About Joanne Currie Nalingu

Joanne Currie Nalingu was born in 1964. She is a member of the Gunggari people. This is an Aboriginal group from Queensland, Australia. Joanne was born at the Mitchell Yumba's Aboriginal mission. She spent her childhood in places like Amby and Brisbane.

Her Artistic Journey

Joanne Currie Nalingu is a self-taught artist. This means she learned to paint on her own. She started painting in 1989. By 1991, her art was being shown in galleries. In 1994, she received a special grant from Arts Queensland. This helped her continue her art.

Winning the Wynne Prize

One of Joanne's most famous paintings is The River is Calm. In 2008, this painting won the prestigious Wynne Prize. This is a very important art award in Australia. Her winning painting is now kept at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. In 2009, she was also a finalist for the Sunshine Coast Art Prize.

Learning from a Mentor

Joanne had a mentor named Lin Onus. A mentor is someone who guides and teaches you. Lin Onus was also a well-known Aboriginal artist. He helped Joanne develop her skills and style.

Art Exhibitions

Joanne Currie Nalingu's art has been shown in many exhibitions. These shows help people see and appreciate her work.

Solo Art Shows

Joanne has had her own art shows. These are called solo exhibitions.

• Give 'em Currie: This show was at the Caloundra Regional Art Gallery. It ran from December 2003 to March 2004. It was a very large show with sixty paintings.
• The Jewellery and Art Gallery: She also had a show here in October 2011. This gallery is located at Carrington's in Noosa Junction.

Group Art Shows

Joanne's paintings have also been part of group exhibitions. In these shows, her art is displayed with other artists' work.

• FireWorks Gallery: In August 2008, her paintings were shown here. They were displayed alongside art by Vincent Serico. Quentin Bryce, who was the Governor of Queensland at the time, visited this exhibition.
• Riverdays: This exhibition took place in April 2012. It was held at the Gympie Regional Gallery. Joanne's work was again shown with paintings by Vincent Serico. The show focused on stories about living near rivers. Joanne's painted shield designs were a special part of this exhibition. These designs were inspired by water forms from her home area, Maranoa.