From 2 June throughout August the Ian and Sue Bernadt Gallery and part of the Ground Floor concourse will house a tribute to the acclaimed Western Arrernte artist, Albert Namatjira (1902 - 1959). The first Indigenous artwork acquired by an art gallery was a watercolour by Albert Namatjira which was acquired by the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Namatjira was heralded as an artist in the days prior to citizenship being granted to his people.
Namatjira's work and life have influenced artists throughout the years from regions ranging to Arnhem Land, the Southwest of Western Australia and urban Brisbane on the east coast of the country. The display will consider Namatjira's continuing influence over the years on other Indigenous artists.
A major publication 'Indigenous Art from the Art Gallery of Western Australia', supported by ATSIC and Lepley Industries, will be lanuched during NAIDOC week at the Gallery by Alan R Dodge, Director, on Tuesday 10 July at 10:30am. This book includes the essay, 'Albert's gift' on Namatjira and his influence with reproductions of many of the images from this collection display.