B. 1918–1986

Edwin Pareroultja, of the Western Arrernte (Arunta) language group, was a watercolourist based in Ntaria (Hermannsburg), west of Alice Springs. He began painting in 1943. His first attempt at painting astounded Rex Battarbee, who in 1951 commented that: “The greatest impression any artist has ever made on me was on 25th October 1943, when Edwin showed me his first watercolour”

He played a pivotal role in encouraging his brothers, Otto and Reuben, to continue and develop their artistic practice. The Pareroultja brothers’ work marked a departure from the classic Hermannsburg style established by Albert Namatjira, developing a distinctive approach to Central Australian landscapes. Edwin held his first solo exhibition in Melbourne in 1946 at the Athenaeum Gallery.

His works are held in major collections, including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.