Congratulations to Makinti Napanangka and her art centre Papunya Tula, the winner of this year's $40,000 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

I met with Makinti only a week prior to the awards. It was lovely to hold her hand. She is extremely frail. But when I look at her works, they simply take my breath away. She is a great artist and a truly deserving winner of the awards.

Central Art will be showcasing some of Makinti's works shortly to celebrate this magnificent achievement.

Lupulgna by Makinti Napanangka is currently available at the Central Art Gallery.

(Photo: Lupulgna by Makinti Napanangka © 2009 Central Art)