Winner of the 2021 Bluethumb Art Prize - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award
Anthony J. Walker is an award-winning Aboriginal artist from the Yiman, Ghungalu and Gurreng Gurreng peoples of Central Queensland. Through his work, Anthony engages with the natural environment and expresses his inner connection to the landscape. Having originally trained as a Park Ranger, Anthony also seeks to raise awareness about the preservation of native flora and fauna. Growing up on the Sunshine Coast and currently residing in Byron Bay, Anthony draws inspiration from the landscape and coastlines of Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales, as well as his grandparents’ Country.
Anthony's work has been critically acclaimed for its light-hearted design and blend of colour and movement. Achievements include: participating in Wesfarmers Indigenous Arts Leadership Program (National Gallery of Australia), undertaking a curatorial residency at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney), winning the Gold Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (aka the Gold Coast Indigenous Art & Design Award), and having a solo exhibition at Melbourne’s Koorie Heritage Trust Centre. Anthony previously served as the Indigenous Arts Development Officer for Arts Northern Rivers, and the Aboriginal Arts Development Officer for Regional Arts NSW.
Anthony also operates the design studio & online store MILBI DESIGNS - sharing original artworks, limited edition prints, and artisanal gifts.