Ryan Presley Wins 2026 Telstra NATSIAA for Renaissance-Inspired Work
Ryan Presley has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA), the highest accolade for First Nations artists in Australia. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), which organizes the award, made the announcement. His artwork, 'Our lifestyle of tranquillity undisturbed' (2026), is an oil painting on polyester that creatively revisits Italian Renaissance styles, earning him a cash prize of AU$100,000. A Marri Ngarr artist hailing from Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Presley now lives in Logan City on Yugambeh Country in southeast Queensland. Additionally, six other artists were awarded AU$15,000 each in different categories. The NATSIAA, established in 1984, is Australia’s first and longest-running award for First Nations art. Presley's winning piece can be viewed at MAGNT in Darwin, along with works from all 64 finalists, until January 24.
Key facts
- Ryan Presley won the 2026 Telstra NATSIAA.
- Prize money: AU$100,000.
- Winning work: 'Our lifestyle of tranquillity undisturbed' (2026), oil on polyester.
- Six other artists received AU$15,000 each in various categories.
- Presley is a Marri Ngarr artist born in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, based on Yugambeh Country (Logan City).
- The award is organized by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
- Telstra NATSIAA founded in 1984, Australia's first and longest-running First Nations art award.
- Exhibition of all 64 finalists runs through 24 January at MAGNT, Darwin.
Entities
Artists
- Ryan Presley
Institutions
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Telstra NATSIAA
Locations
- Mparntwe/Alice Springs
- Yugambeh Country
- Logan City
- Darwin
- Australia