Feb 3, 2009

Australias leading Aboriginal photographer Wayne Quilliam in partnership with Koori Mail has won the 2008 Human Rights Award for Print media. The Print Media Award was accepted by Ms Kirstie Parker, Editor of the Koori Mail, for the National Apology: commemorative lift out. The Award recognized the enduring record of a momentous event in an edition full of photographs and colourful quotes.

Following his Highly Recommended in the Walkley Awards for his photographs of the aftermath of the Redfern Riots Quilliam felt honored to be part of a team that produced the winning entry. Over my career I have had the privilege of photographing significant people and events and all carry a special place in my heart, but the opportunity to capture the essence of the Apology is at the top of the list. I give thanks to Koori Mail for entrusting me to document such a momentous occasion and to all the people on the day for sharing their stories, the Apology was emotive and provocative and I hope my images visualise those emotions, Quilliam says.

Wayne Quilliam is one of Australias most prominent Aboriginal photographic artists with more than 100 solo and group exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA. In the past 12 months he has held exhibitions in Germany, Austria, Vienna, Mexico, USA, China and several galleries in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide including his nude series Lowanna. He has worked with the traditional people of Mexico and Bolivia, and his work recently featured on the BBC in the UK and next week on Australian Television. He has also photographed and directed a series of work with Russell Crowe and is preparing several shows for 2009.