Proud Boonwurrung and Erub woman, Amina Briggs was recently honoured as the outstanding graduating student at the Victorian College of the Arts, 2023, receiving the Orloff Family Charitable Trust Award.

The award was presented by the Orloff Family Charitable Trust, who sponsor awards across every discipline at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, recognising excellence in graduating students.

Ms Briggs expressed her surprise at winning the award, considering the large pool of talent she was up against.

"Honestly, the recognition of my of creative abilities was amazing," she said.

"My initial reaction was basically just shock, absolute shock when they were announcing it.

"I wasn't really expecting to be picked because there's like 100 plus artists I had to compete with."

Ms Briggs draws inspiration for her work from the notion that colonisation was beneficial, aiming to challenge this perspective.

Her recent art serves as a commentary on the collective suffering resulting from historical colonisation, using "blue people", who hold a bigoted and prejudiced mindset.

"I wanted to show the rippling effect (of colonisation) through the water," she said.

"I used the compass to show some direct hints from the first fleet, as well as the ship.

"The waves get bigger and bigger and show how we're basically going to drown in it."

Ms Briggs highlights the significant influence of her cultural background on her artistic journey.

The majority of her work incorporates elements or is narrated from the perspective of her identity as an Indigenous woman.

Starting her artistic endeavours in 2009, Ms Briggs pursued a Bachelor's degree, followed by three years in Honours, and subsequently, a Master's degree.

She said 2023 was her first year dedicating herself to being a practicing artist.

"I began doing art back in 2009 but I did my bachelor's and then I did three years in the Honours and then my masters straight after, Ms Briggs said.

"As a practicing artist, probably this is my first year taking it seriously."

Reflecting on her time at the Victorian College of Arts (VCA), Ms Briggs expresses enjoyment, noting the positive experience and supportive and hands-on approach from the teachers.

"I enjoyed my experience at VCA," she said.

"It's been really great especially, especially because the teachers are so lovely."

"They're really hands on and they really care about you and your artistic endeavours."

Beginning in 2008, Orloff Family Charitable Trust has supported Fine Arts and Music students through the award for more than 15 years.