16/07/2025
This NAIDOC Week, we honour the legacy, vision and strength of the Hermannsburg School of Art. A powerful example of intergenerational creativity grounded in Country, kinship, and cultural knowledge.
Albert Namatjira (1902–1959), a Western Arrernte man, changed the face of Australian art with his luminous watercolours of Central Australia.
Beginning with carved and ochre-painted objects rooted in cultural practice, Namatjira’s creative path shifted when he encountered Rex Battarbee in 1934. From that meeting, he recognised watercolour as a new way to tell the stories of his Country, vast ranges, blue skies, and sacred sites and quickly became a master of the medium.
But his legacy is much more than the iconic ghost gums. Namatjira’s vision sparked a movement. He shared his skills with other Arrernte artists, creating an enduring practice that has continued through generations. The distinctive Namatjira style, whether as original paintings or prints, was displayed in many Australian homes, and Namatjira held numerous sell-out exhibitions.
Despite national fame, Namatjira endured harsh injustice. Even after gaining citizenship, rare for Aboriginal people at the time, he remained bound by discriminatory laws.
Yet his influence lives on. Namatjira’s work is a powerful testament to cultural strength, artistic innovation, and a legacy that continues to inspire.
Image: Installation view of Watercolour Dreaming. Photo Anthony Webster.
Exhibition: Watercolour Dreaming, 24 August 2024 - 26 January 2025
Exhibition information: https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/bendigo-art-gallery/exhibitions/watercolour-dreaming-works-from-the-dr-beverley-castleman-collection