Albert Namatjira

Albert Namatjira was the first Aboriginal artist to gain widespread popularity in Australia, and is a pioneer of contemporary First Nations art. He first learnt watercolour techniques when he accompanied visiting artist Rex Battarbee on his painting trips, and went on to create highly detailed, picturesque images of the Country near where he lived. This set Namatjira’s work apart from the more abstract approaches taken by other artists from his Community, the Arrarnta, and his achievements inspired many in his Community to start painting in watercolour too. Some of the works in this exhibition show gum trees, which are drought-resistant and are a common sight in the area Namatjira often painted. Many such large trees are believed to be Ancestor beings. Namatjira’s works also depict areas of significance in Central Australia which would otherwise be hard to access, one of which is Ormiston Gorge. Namatjira made this painting on a trip with Battarbee, using vivid colours and an incredible attention to detail to capture the natural formation in all its glory.