Damien's deadly artwork wins

MPC Kinetic award young indigenous artist in inaugural competition.

YOUNG TALENT: Zach Giddins and Eva Courte from MPC Kinetic Miles with Damien Roma and his winning artwork. Picture: Kate McCormack

YEAR five student from Chinchilla State School, Damien Roma was among the winners of MPC Kinetic's inaugural Western Downs indigenous youth prize for his deadly artwork titled "Men's Business”.

Damien's painting was among 20 local entrants and depicts a tribe of men spotting emus and kangaroos by a river.

"It's cool to have my culture celebrated and welcomed,” the 10-year-old artist said.

Damien's deadly design has been incorporated into caps and shirts that will be worn by more than 200 MPC Kinetic employees around the region.

The company said this year's awards will be the first of many Indigenous youth art prizes for the region.

MPC Kinetic's Kyle Hughes said the art initiative was part of recognising the rich tapestry of our great nation and honouring Indigenous culture on the land upon which we work.

"With this being the first year, we were pleased with the number of entries received and thank everyone who took the time to enter," Mr Hughes said.

"The rivalry was fierce with a number of deadly artworks separated by the slimmest of margin, but congratulations goes to Damien who took out one of this year's prizes and will have his artwork featured on our project caps and shirts."

"We hope this will be the first of many youth art competitions providing the next generation of talented Indigenous artists a platform to be recognised.”

Damien said he already has a few other artworks up his sleeve and is looking forward to starting them over the school holidays with his $200 Eckersley's art voucher, courtesy of MPC Kinetic.

Originally published as Damien's deadly artwork wins