Juanella Donovan’s Artistic Journey Inspired by Her Mother’s Lessons
Juanella Donovan, a talented multimedia artist, has once again earned recognition for her contributions to Indigenous art. This Adnyamathanha, Luritja, and Lower Southern Arrernte woman won the coveted 2025 People’s Choice Award at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. Her artwork, titled *Desert Flower*, was selected as the favorite from numerous entries nationwide during the prestigious event held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
Celebrating Cultural Heritage Through Art
Donovan, a mother of four based in South Australia, expressed that this award not only represents a personal achievement but also acknowledges the profound cultural knowledge woven throughout her works. “It is a beautiful thing to be awarded such a prize,” she remarked. “It is recognition that we are able to pass on knowledge of our stories through our arts practice.”
Influence of Family and Early Inspirations
For Donovan, the art of storytelling is intimately connected to her family roots. She attributes her creative journey to her mother, who shared stories of their homeland from her infancy. “It’s my mum. She introduced me to stories from my country,” Donovan explained, reflecting on the important lessons learned throughout her childhood. These formative experiences played a crucial role in nurturing her commitment to artistic expression.
As a child, Donovan often sought opportunities to create art, even running away from school to paint and listen to Dreaming stories with her aunt. Such early experiences have defined her artistic direction and embody a broader tradition of storytelling among Indigenous women.
Art as a Medium for Storytelling
According to Rebekah Raymond, a curator at MAGNT, Donovan’s approach showcases the unique capability of Indigenous women as storytellers. “Juanella is using art to tell these stories anew,” Raymond stated. This innovative perspective pushes the boundaries of Aboriginal art, illustrating that it transcends traditional portrayals.
Building Community Through Creativity
Marika Davies, a regional curator with Tarnanthi, has noted Donovan’s consistent emphasis on storytelling in her works. She emphasized that Donovan demonstrates that Indigenous art encompasses more than just conventional techniques. “Juanella is pushing the boundaries of Aboriginal art every time she creates a new artwork,” Davies said. “She shows that Indigenous art is not just dots on a canvas.”
Living in regional Australia has also influenced Donovan’s distinctive artistic style. The constraints of limited access to materials have sparked her creativity and resourcefulness. “You need to improvise and make a virtue of necessity,” she remarked, often using various media, including natural materials and modern objects, in her creations.
A Commitment to Holistic Practice
Donovan considers art a holistic practice, integrated into her daily life and cultural traditions. “To be able to practice art is a way of keeping our knowledge alive,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of passing down stories through generations.
The recognition from these awards further strengthens her resolve to maintain continuity in her cultural narrative. As she prepares for the upcoming National Textile Triennial exhibition at the Tamworth Regional Gallery, she remains focused on honoring the stories of her ancestors and ensuring their legacy endures.
- Award: 2025 People’s Choice Award at NATSIAA
- Winning Artwork: *Desert Flower*
- Previous Win: 2022 People’s Choice Award for *Hold Me*
- Future Exhibition: National Textile Triennial at Tamworth Regional Gallery in September
Through her artistry, Juanella Donovan continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deep connection between past and present Indigenous experiences.
