While he may not be the only Aboriginal artist to have produced art in a western style, Albert Namatjira is indisputably the most renowned. Our shared vision of the Australian outback is synonymous with his iconic landscape paintings. . Using watercolour as a predominant medium, Namatjira's desert-like scenes of central Australia express his relationship with the Arrernte country, for which he was a traditional steward. His intense study of specific places in this region and his intuitive approach to the character of these areas allows us to see the individual qualities of multi-faceted central Australia. Light and distance consistently shape our perception of Namatjira's work, as well as transforming the form of the landscape and colour within it. The importance of water is an underlying motif within his art, and the frequent focus of gum trees not only represent the presence or absence of water in the area; they also depict Albert Namatjira's experience of existence. . Unsurprisingly, Albert Namatjira's legacy is an inspiration to many artists today. Through various compositional devices, Namatjira has expanded the vision of Australian art, and opens the viewers eyes to life in the centre of the country. In this curation, we explore work from both celebrated and emerging artists who find creative power from Namatjira's artwork, and employ techniques noted in his legacy.

Curated by Sarah Newton