Fernandez said, “This artwork represents the deep connection between motherhood and the ocean. Both move in natural rhythms, rising and falling with time, sharing balance, patience and flow. Each can feel calm and nurturing, yet unpredictable and overwhelming. There is beauty in their gentleness and strength in their chaos.”
She said, “As a proud Yamatji/Naaguja and Chilean/Mapuche woman, I was shaped by my time growing up in both Perth and Geraldton. Art has always been a part of my life and, as a teenager, I started to connect deeply with the beauty of Aboriginal art. When I became pregnant, I began painting to support my mental health. After my daughter was born, I started sharing my work. That is how my journey as an artist began.”
City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan congratulated the winning artist and thanked exhibition visitors for casting their vote.
“The People's Choice Award is a particularly meaningful recognition because it reflects a genuine connection between an artist and the community,” Mayor Buchan said.
“The response to Ocean's Heartbeat demonstrates the power of art to tell stories, spark conversations and bring people together. Congratulations to Erika Fernandez on this well-deserved achievement, and thank you to everyone who visited the exhibition and cast their vote.”
Art Prize Curator Sandra Murray said, “It is encouraging for a young artist in the early stages of her promising career to be acknowledged by this award. This recognition is well deserved and marks an important milestone in her artistic journey.”
For more information on the Art Prize and the winners in each category, visit Art Prize.
Pictured: People's Choice Award winner Erika Fernandez with winning artwork Ocean's Heartbeat.
