John Bulunbulun (2004)

Senior Ganalbingu artist and Indigenous leader, John Bulunbulun is one of Australia’s most prominent bark painters, cultural activists, Indigenous ambassadors and an advocate for artists' rights. His cravings, paintings and prints are highly celebrated and held in many major collections around the world.

A Yolngu man from Central Arnhem Land, John was the first Aboriginal art centre worker at Maningrida Art and Culture, where he still works, teaches and advises.

John first gained attention for his work in 1977 when he was commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission in Canberra to paint Djakaldjirrparr, a large mural at their offices. This mural is now in John Gorton Building, Parkes, which houses Environment Australia.

John was awarded an Australia Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts fellowship in 1991 and in 2001 he was awarded the Wandjuk Marika Three-Dimensionaly Award at the 18^th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award and was a finalist in the 5^th National Indigenous Heritage Art Award, 2000.

In 2004, John was awarded the Australia Council Red Ochre award. This award pays tribute to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist who throughout their lifetime, has made an outstanding contribution to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, at both national and international levels.

The presentation of the Red Ochre Award was held in at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in December 2004. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts board chairperson, Dr Chris Sarra hosted the presentation ceremony and lead singer of Yothu Yindi and former Australian of the Year, Mandawuy Yunupingu presented John the 2004 Red Ochre Award.