B. 1902-1959

Albert Namatjira (1902–1959) was a Western Arrernte artist from the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most important artists. He pioneered what became known as the Hermannsburg School, introducing a distinct Aboriginal perspective into Western watercolour landscape painting. Namatjira was introduced to the medium by artist Rex Battarbee at Hermannsburg Mission, located on the banks of the Finke River, west of Alice Springs.

His first solo exhibition in Melbourne in 1938 was an immediate success, making him the first First Nations Australian artist to achieve widespread mainstream recognition. In 1957, Namatjira became the first Aboriginal person to be granted conditional Australian citizenship. While this afforded limited social freedoms, he was still denied the right to purchase land, including that of his ancestors, and his children were excluded from the same privileges. These injustices caused him deep personal distress.

Namatjira’s watercolour paintings are held in major art intuitions nationally, including the National Art Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of South Australia. His luminous landscapes convey profound cultural knowledge and connection to country, and his life and work continue to inspire generations of First Nations artists, including his children and grandchildren.

For a more in-depth biography of this artist, click here.