Inaugural art prize pays tribute to late Cyril Knox

A celebration of the unique artistic talents of Aboriginal artists at the Cyril Knox Art Prize exhibition was hosted by Whitehaven Coal and Narrabri Shire Council with an official opening at The Crossing Theatre Art Gallery on Saturday, November 18.

The theme of this year’s inaugural competition was the NAIDOC Week theme ‘For Our Elders’.

Named after the talented Aboriginal artist Cyril Knox (dec), the competition aims to showcase his artistic legacy and inspire emerging Aboriginal artists.

The top 10 finalists in each category will have their artworks displayed for the week, inviting the community to come and experience their unique talents, celebrate the artists’ creativity, and honour the cultural heritage of our elders.

Cyril Edward Knox was born in Boomi in 1929, and grew up on the Toomelah Aboriginal Reserve on Gomilaroi land.

As a young man growing up on the reserve, Cyril would often be found painting a wide variety of subject matter from famous Australians, drawing or painting a various array of racehorses, landscapes, railway stations and steam trains.

These drawings and paintings would be sent off to the Aboriginal magazine ‘Dawn’, winning prizes throughout the years.

In between his artistic ventures, Cyril had been commissioned to complete portraits, and despite being busy working in various jobs, always made time to devote to his artistic talents and his artwork was displayed at The Moree Gallery and local shows.

During this time, he could also be found volunteering looking after young children and teaching them his love of art at afterschool care.

Cyril was nominated for a scholarship with the Dawn magazine, which was a publication delivered to Aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales.

The scholarship assisted him to graduate with a diploma from the East Sydney Technical College in the early 1950s.

Once graduating with his diploma from the National Art School, formerly known as East Sydney Technical College, Cyril moved out to the township of Narrabri with his young family in 1957.

Working until his retirement, Cyril was employed on the railways as a fettler in Narrabri, while still continuing his passion for art.

INAUGURAL ART PRIZE: Back, Narrabri Shire Council manager tourism and cultural services Scott Pollock, Whitehaven Coal director NCO stage three project David Ellwood, Les Knox, Whitehaven Coal general manager community engagement Darren Swain, Ross Knox, mayor Darrell Tiemens and federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton. Middle, Jody Trindall, Audrey Fogg, Audrey Trindall, Janice Knox, Michael Knox, Angie Knox and Tamara Trindall. Front, Janarli, Rya and Cayliss Knox.

In his downtime Cyril enjoyed growing a variety of vegetables and plants in his garden and travelling around the Narrabri Shire, often visiting Mount Kaputar to paint landscapes and other surrounding areas such as the Namoi River and creeks.

Aside from being a keen artist, Cyril was a devoted family man and could often be found behind the lens of a camera taking many photos of his beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Winners of the inaugural exhibition will be announced later this month.

The winner will receive $5000 while community members will be able to vote for the people’s choice award, with the winner receiving $1500. There will also be a junior prize of $500.

Members of the Knox family will be on the judging panel for the awards, with representatives of Narrabri Shire Council and Whitehaven Coal.

The prize is a new initiative developed by Whitehaven to support its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) activities.

As part of its RAP, Whitehaven has committed to commissioning an Aboriginal artist to produce an artwork to display in its corporate offices each year, with three artworks on display today.

The Cyril Knox Prize expands on this commitment and will highlight and support the talents of a wider range of Aboriginal artists for the entire community to enjoy.

Whitehaven Coal managing director and CEO Paul Flynn said the company is proud to be championing this exciting new initiative.

“Cyril Knox had a significant impact on the local community that extended far beyond his artwork,” Mr Flynn said.

Les Knox said the family are extremely happy that their father is being recognised for his art achievements, but also for his ongoing encouragement to other Aboriginal artists to continue to develop their artistic skills.

“Our father was a well-respected elder in the Narrabri and Toomelah communities and we think this year’s NAIDOC theme is fitting,” Mr Knox said.